Grilled Vegetable Fajitas

Grilled Vegetable Fajitas Recipe - Vegetarian Mexican Dish

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 8 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Grilled Vegetable Fajitas are a delicious and healthy twist on the traditional Mexican dish. Packed with flavor and nutrients, these fajitas are perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a fun weekend dinner with friends and family.

History

Fajitas have a long history in Mexican cuisine, with origins dating back to the ranches of West Texas in the early 1930s. Originally made with skirt steak, fajitas have evolved over the years to include a variety of proteins and vegetables. Grilled Vegetable Fajitas are a modern take on this classic dish, offering a lighter and vegetarian-friendly option.

Ingredients

3 tbsp of lime juice
2 tsp of ground cumin
2 tsp of chili powder
0.5 tsp of salt
0.13 tsp of cayenne pepper
1 medium red onion, cut into rings
1 lb (454 g) of asparagus spears, trimmed
1 large green, yellow and red bell peppers, each cut into slices
1 medium yellow squash, cut into slices
1 medium zucchini, cut into slices
8 small flour tortillas
16 oz (454 g) can of refried beans, heated
0.5 cup of shredded Mexican cheese blend

How to prepare

Preheat an outdoor grill.
In a bowl, stir together the juice, cumin, chili powder, salt, and cayenne.
Place the onion rings on a plate and brush both sides with some of the lime juice mixture.
Microwave on high for 1 minute and set aside.
Place the asparagus in a plastic bag, the peppers in a second bag, and the squash and zucchini in a third bag.
Divide the remaining lime juice mixture among the three bags.
Coat all the vegetables with nonstick spray and grill covered.
Grill the asparagus for 10 minutes and the onion for 8 minutes.
In a grill basket, cook a single layer of peppers for 10 minutes.
Remove the peppers and add the squashes in a single layer.
Grill for 6 minutes.
Place all the veggies on a platter.
Heat the tortillas according to the package directions.
Spread each tortilla with 2 tbsp of beans, then 0.75 cup of veggies.
Top with 1 tbsp of cheese.
Fold in half.
Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Serve with guacamole and salsa.

Variations

Add grilled mushrooms or eggplant for a meaty texture.
Use different types of cheese, such as queso fresco or cotija, for a unique flavor.
Swap out the vegetables for your favorites, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or sweet potatoes.
Add a protein source, such as grilled tofu or tempeh, for a vegetarian option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to preheat your grill before cooking the vegetables to ensure even cooking.

- Use a grill basket to prevent smaller vegetables from falling through the grates.

- Brushing the vegetables with the lime juice mixture adds a tangy flavor and helps them caramelize on the grill.

- Don't overcook the vegetables - they should be tender but still have a slight crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Grilled Vegetable Fajitas with guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and a side of rice or beans for a complete and satisfying meal. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of cilantro for extra flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling the vegetables adds a smoky flavor and caramelizes the natural sugars, enhancing their taste. Make sure to cook the vegetables until they are tender but still have a slight crunch for the best texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your preferences. You can swap out the vegetables for your favorites, adjust the seasonings to your taste, or use different types of cheese or beans. Get creative and make this dish your own!

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the vegetables and marinade ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to grill. This makes for a quick and easy meal option for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the grilled vegetables on a platter and serve the fajitas family-style for a fun and interactive dining experience. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Grilled Vegetable Fajitas pair well with a variety of beverages, such as margaritas, Mexican beer, or a refreshing agua fresca. For a complete meal, serve with a side of rice, beans, or a simple salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover fajitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You can also enjoy them cold as a tasty and convenient meal option.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Grilled Vegetable Fajitas contains approximately 300 calories. This makes them a satisfying and nutritious meal option.

Carbohydrates

Grilled Vegetable Fajitas are a good source of carbohydrates, with each serving containing approximately 30 grams. Carbohydrates provide energy for the body and are essential for overall health.

Fats

Each serving of Grilled Vegetable Fajitas contains about 10 grams of fat. The fats in this dish come from the cheese and beans, which provide flavor and texture to the fajitas.

Proteins

These fajitas are a good source of protein, with each serving containing around 15 grams. Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair, as well as overall health and well-being.

Vitamins and minerals

Grilled Vegetable Fajitas are packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium. These nutrients are important for immune function, vision health, and heart health.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and gluten (tortillas). It can be easily modified to be dairy-free by omitting the cheese or using a dairy-free alternative. For a gluten-free option, use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas.

Summary

Overall, Grilled Vegetable Fajitas are a nutritious and delicious meal option. They are high in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as vitamins and minerals. With a moderate calorie count, they are a satisfying and healthy choice for any occasion.

Summary

Grilled Vegetable Fajitas are a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and protein, these fajitas are a satisfying and healthy meal option. Customize the recipe to suit your preferences and enjoy a delicious and colorful meal that everyone will love.

How did I get this recipe?

It feels like just yesterday when I stumbled upon this recipe for Grilled Vegetable Fajitas. The sun was shining brightly, and I was browsing through a quaint little farmers market, filled with fresh produce and the sweet smell of ripe fruits. As I made my way through the market, I noticed a small stand with a sign that read "Homemade Mexican Cuisine". Intrigued, I approached the stand and was greeted by a friendly woman named Rosa.

Rosa was a warm and welcoming woman, with a smile that could light up a room. She was busy grilling up some colorful vegetables on a sizzling hot grill, and the aroma that wafted through the air was simply irresistible. I watched as she expertly flipped the vegetables, charring them just right to bring out their natural flavors.

Curious, I struck up a conversation with Rosa and asked her about the recipe she was making. She laughed and said it was a family recipe that had been passed down through generations. She explained that fajitas were a traditional Mexican dish made with grilled meat or vegetables, served with tortillas and a variety of toppings.

Intrigued by the recipe, I asked Rosa if she would be willing to share it with me. With a twinkle in her eye, she agreed and began to walk me through the process. She showed me how to marinate the vegetables in a zesty blend of spices and lime juice, and how to grill them to perfection.

As the vegetables sizzled on the grill, the mouth-watering aroma filled the air, making my stomach growl with anticipation. Rosa then showed me how to assemble the fajitas, layering the grilled vegetables onto warm tortillas and topping them with fresh salsa, guacamole, and a dollop of sour cream.

I took my first bite of the Grilled Vegetable Fajitas, and it was like a party in my mouth. The smoky flavor of the grilled vegetables paired perfectly with the tangy salsa and creamy guacamole. Each bite was a burst of fresh flavors and textures, and I knew that I had stumbled upon something truly special.

From that day on, Grilled Vegetable Fajitas became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I would make them for family gatherings, dinner parties, and even just for a simple weeknight meal. Each time I made them, I would think back to that sunny day at the farmers market and the kind woman named Rosa who had shared her family recipe with me.

Over the years, I have made some tweaks to the recipe, adding my own personal touches and experimenting with different combinations of vegetables and toppings. But the heart of the recipe remains the same, a testament to the tradition and heritage that Rosa had passed down to me.

Now, as I stand in my kitchen, preparing a batch of Grilled Vegetable Fajitas for my own family, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the serendipitous encounter that led me to this delicious recipe. It's moments like these that remind me of the joy and connection that food can bring, and the power of sharing recipes and traditions with loved ones.

So as I plate up the Grilled Vegetable Fajitas, garnishing them with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime, I say a silent thank you to Rosa and her family for sharing their delicious recipe with me. And I hope that as my family digs into the meal before them, they can taste the love and history that has been passed down through each flavorful bite.