Grilled vegetable skewers are a colorful, flavorful, and healthy meal or side dish. Perfect for vegetarians or anyone seeking a light, nutritious option, these skewers combine the natural sweetness of fresh vegetables with the smoky char from the grill. Let’s dive into the simple steps to make this vibrant dish!
Ingredients
For these Grilled Vegetable Skewers, you will need the following ingredients:
- a red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
- a red onion, cut into chunks
- 8-10 cherry tomatoes
- a cup of mushrooms, whole or halved (depending on size)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- one teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- one teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish (such as parsley or basil)
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
Optional Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- one tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Recipe (Procedure)
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
- Chop the Vegetables: Wash and cut your vegetables into uniform pieces for even cooking. Cut the peppers, zucchini, and onion into bite-sized chunks. Halve the mushrooms and leave the cherry tomatoes whole.
- Soak the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Step 2: Marinate the Vegetables (Optional)
- Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard for a tangy marinade.
- Marinate the Vegetables: Place the vegetables in a large bowl and toss them with the marinade. Let them sit for 15-30 minutes for extra flavor.
Step 3: Skewer the Vegetables
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread the vegetables onto the skewers, alternating between the different types for a colorful mix. Leave a little space between each piece to ensure even grilling.
Step 4: Preheat the Grill
- Prepare the Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Grill the Skewers
- Grill the Vegetables: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender and charred.
- Season: After grilling, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve: Let the skewers rest briefly before serving. They can be enjoyed on their own or as a side dish.
Conclusion
Grilled vegetable skewers are a healthy, tasty, and customizable option that’s quick to prepare and full of flavor. Fire up the grill and enjoy this vibrant, nutritious dish packed with color and flavor!