Grilled Vegetable Kebabs

Grilled Vegetable Kebabs Recipe - Vegetarian Food

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Grilled Vegetable Kebabs are a delicious and healthy option for a summer barbecue or a light dinner. These kebabs are packed with flavor and are a great way to enjoy a variety of vegetables in one dish.

History

Grilled vegetable kebabs have been a popular dish for many years, especially during the summer months when fresh vegetables are abundant. The idea of grilling vegetables on skewers likely originated from traditional Middle Eastern cuisine, where kebabs are a common dish.

Ingredients

1 medium eggplant, sliced 1 inch thick and quartered
8 small red-skinned potatoes, parboiled
1 large zucchini, blanched and sliced 1 inch thick
8 whole, peeled garlic cloves, blanched
1 medium red bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 medium yellow bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
pepper to taste
Marinade
0.33 cup fresh lemon juice
0.25 cup olive oil
0.25 cup minced onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp crumbled dried oregano
salt and freshly ground black

How to prepare

Prepare the charcoal grill or preheat the gas grill for at least 10 minutes.
For the marinade, whisk together all the marinade ingredients in a large shallow glass bowl.
Add the vegetables to the bowl and toss them to coat. Let them stand for 10 minutes.
Thread the vegetables onto skewers, alternating for color.
Grill the vegetables until they are tender and lightly charred, turning and brushing them with the marinade often. This should take about 5 minutes.

Variations

Add mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or pineapple chunks to the kebabs for added flavor.
Use different marinades such as a balsamic vinaigrette or a teriyaki sauce for a different twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cut the vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.

- Parboiling or blanching the vegetables before grilling can help speed up the cooking process and ensure that they are cooked through.

- Soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling can prevent them from burning.

- Brushing the vegetables with the marinade while grilling can help enhance the flavor and keep them moist.

Serving Suggestions

Grilled Vegetable Kebabs can be served as a main dish with a side of rice or quinoa, or as a side dish to grilled meats or seafood.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling the vegetables on skewers helps to cook them evenly and gives them a nice charred flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute any of the vegetables in this recipe with your favorite vegetables such as mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the marinade and cut the vegetables ahead of time, then assemble the kebabs right before grilling.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Grilled Vegetable Kebabs on a platter with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Grilled Vegetable Kebabs pair well with grilled meats such as chicken or steak, or with a side of couscous or quinoa.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Grilled Vegetable Kebabs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them on a baking sheet and heat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Grilled Vegetable Kebabs contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Grilled Vegetable Kebabs contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Grilled Vegetable Kebabs contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Grilled Vegetable Kebabs contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Grilled Vegetable Kebabs are a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and fiber.

Alergens

Grilled Vegetable Kebabs are free of common allergens such as gluten, dairy, and nuts. However, if you have specific allergies, make sure to check the ingredients and consult with a healthcare professional.

Summary

Grilled Vegetable Kebabs are a nutritious and delicious dish that is low in calories and packed with vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Grilled Vegetable Kebabs are a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for summer grilling. Packed with flavor and nutrients, these kebabs are sure to be a hit at your next barbecue.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still picture the first time I came across this recipe for Grilled Vegetable Kebabs. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Sarah's house for a backyard barbecue. As soon as I arrived, the tantalizing aroma of sizzling vegetables on the grill filled the air, and I knew I was in for a treat.

Sarah's husband, Mark, was manning the grill, expertly flipping skewers of colorful veggies with a pair of tongs. The vegetables were perfectly charred and caramelized, and I couldn't resist asking Sarah for the recipe.

She laughed and said, "Oh, it's nothing special, just a mix of whatever veggies we have on hand. But I'll be happy to show you how to make them. They're always a hit at our cookouts."

And that's how I learned to make Grilled Vegetable Kebabs. Over the years, I've perfected the recipe and added my own twist to it. But the basic idea remains the same - a medley of fresh, seasonal vegetables marinated in a flavorful sauce and grilled to perfection.

I remember the first time I made these kebabs for my own family. They were skeptical at first, wondering why we couldn't just have plain old burgers and hot dogs like usual. But one bite of those smoky, charred veggies, and they were hooked.

Since then, Grilled Vegetable Kebabs have become a staple at our family gatherings, and I've shared the recipe with countless friends and neighbors. It's a dish that never fails to impress, and I love that it's so versatile - you can use whatever vegetables you have on hand and customize the marinade to suit your tastes.

One of the things I love most about this recipe is that it's so adaptable. You can use virtually any vegetable you like, from bell peppers and zucchini to cherry tomatoes and mushrooms. I've even experimented with adding fruits like pineapple and peaches for a sweet and savory twist.

The key to making perfect Grilled Vegetable Kebabs is to cut the vegetables into uniform sizes so they cook evenly on the grill. I like to marinate them in a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and herbs for at least an hour before grilling to infuse them with flavor.

When it comes time to grill, I thread the vegetables onto skewers, alternating colors and textures for a visually appealing presentation. Then, I brush them with the remaining marinade and grill them over medium-high heat until they're tender and slightly charred, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking.

The smell of those vegetables sizzling on the grill takes me back to that first encounter with Grilled Vegetable Kebabs at Sarah's house. It's amazing how a simple dish can evoke such vivid memories and bring people together around the dinner table.

As I sit down to enjoy a plate of perfectly grilled vegetables with my loved ones, I can't help but feel grateful for the friends and experiences that have shaped my culinary journey. And I know that with each bite of these delicious kebabs, I'm passing on a little piece of that love and tradition to the next generation.