Vegetable kebabs are a colorful and healthy dish, perfect for grilling or baking. They make a great vegetarian main course or side dish, and they’re easy to customize with your favorite veggies. Here’s a basic recipe for making vegetable kebabs:
Ingredients:
- 2 bell peppers (any color), cut into chunks
- 1 large zucchini, sliced into rounds
- 1 red onion, cut into chunks
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1 large mushroom (or several smaller ones), halved or quartered
- 1 large eggplant, cut into chunks
- 1 yellow squash, sliced into rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
-
Chop Vegetables: Cut all the vegetables into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly. Chunky pieces are ideal for kebabs.
-
Make the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
-
Marinate Vegetables: Add the chopped vegetables to the bowl with the marinade and toss well to coat. Let the vegetables marinate for at least 15-30 minutes to absorb the flavors. You can marinate them longer if you prefer, even overnight in the fridge.
-
Assemble the Kebabs: Thread the marinated vegetables onto the skewers, alternating the different types of vegetables for a colorful presentation. Don’t pack them too tightly so they cook evenly.
-
Grill or Bake:
- Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Grill the kebabs for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the kebabs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the vegetables are cooked through.
-
Serve: Remove the kebabs from the grill or oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve as a main dish with rice, quinoa, or salad, or as a side dish to grilled meats.
Tips:
- Protein Additions: For added protein, you can include cubes of tofu, halloumi cheese, or paneer on the skewers. If you’re not vegetarian, you can add chunks of chicken or shrimp.
- Sauce Ideas: Serve with a side of tzatziki, hummus, or a drizzle of tahini sauce for extra flavor.
- Seasoning Variations: Feel free to mix up the marinade with other herbs and spices like cumin, smoked paprika, or lemon juice for a Mediterranean twist.
Enjoy your vegetable kebabs—a healthy and vibrant dish that’s perfect for any occasion, especially summer grilling!
