Easy and Tasty Mediterranean Vegetable Skewers
This recipe is an excellent way to introduce vegetables and make your diet healthier and more varied. The marinade and grilled taste add to the vegetable freshness for a healthy and tasty side dish. So, let’s get on with it.
Rainbow Skewers
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What are vegetable skewers?
Mediterranean vegetable skewers consist of a variety of fresh vegetables threaded onto skewers and marinated in olive oil, garlic, an acid agent like lemon juice or balsamic vinegar, and Mediterranean herbs. The skewers are then grilled to perfection, allowing the vegetables to become tender and slightly charred.
Where does this recipe come from?
Vegetable skewers reflect the Mediterranean culinary tradition, combining fresh produce with classic Mediterranean seasonings.
They are not particular to a single country.
Ingredients
Skewers Resemblance
Credit Alberto Conde Kitchen in the Med
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Three tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Two cloves garlic, minced
- One teaspoon dried oregano
- One teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Skewers:
- One zucchini, cut into rounds
- One red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- One yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
- One red onion, cut into wedges
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand to avoid burning.
Skewers Resemblance
Credit Alberto Conde Kitchen in the Med
Instructions
- To create the marinade, mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, oregano, thyme, minced garlic, pepper, and salt in a bowl.
- Preheat your grill or pan over medium-high or high fire.
- Thread the vegetables onto the soaked wooden skewers, alternating between zucchini rounds, bell pepper chunks, red onion wedges, and cherry tomatoes.
- Brush the marinade generously over the vegetables.
- Grill them for 10 to 15 minutes until they are charred and cooked to your liking.
- While grilling, drizzle the skewers with the remaining marinade.
- After you are happy with the result, let them rest for a few minutes before you serve them.
Serve with
I suggest tzatziki or hummus for dipping or pitta bread, rice, or quinoa on the side to add some carbs.
You can also add some more vegetables to a side salad for freshness.
Drizzle extra balsamic glaze or olive oil before serving for added richness.
Pitta Bread
Tips and ideas
- Change the vegetables based on your preference or what’s in season.
- These skewers can also be baked in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 20-25 minutes.
- You can add some protein like chicken, lamb or prawns, but then it will not be a vegan recipe, of course.
Vegetable Skewers
Mediterranean vegetable skewers FAQ
1. What vegetables work best for Mediterranean skewers?
Bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, red onions, and eggplant work well because they hold up during grilling without falling apart.
2. Can I prepare the skewers in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the skewers and marinate them up to a day in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to grill. Avoid marinating at room temperature.
3. Can I cook these skewers without a grill?
Yes. You can roast them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or cook them on a grill pan over medium-high heat on the stovetop.
4. How long should I grill the skewers?
Grill the skewers for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
5. Can I add protein to the skewers?
You can add chunks of tofu, halloumi cheese, or even pieces of chicken, lamb, or shrimp to make the skewers more filling.
6. Are the skewers vegan?
If you stick to vegetables and plant-based marinades, these skewers are vegan. For a fully vegan dish, ensure the marinade contains no animal products.
7. What marinade works best for these skewers?
A simple marinade of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary works great. For some heat, you can add a pinch of chili flakes.
8. How do I prevent the vegetables from sticking to the grill?
Brush the grill grates with oil before placing the skewers on it. You can also lightly oil the vegetables to prevent sticking.
9. How should I store leftovers?
Leftover skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can be reheated gently on the grill or in the oven.
10. Can I use wooden skewers for grilling?
Yes, but soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
Easy and Tasty Mediterranean Vegetable Skewers Recipe
Alberto CondeHover the mouse over number of servings to get your desired amount.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Olive oil for the marinade
- 3 tbspn Balsamic vinegar for the marinade
- 2 cloves Garlic for the marinade
- 1 tspn Dried oregano for the marinade
- 1 tspn Dried thyme for the marinade
- Salt for the marinade
- Pepper for the marinade
- 1 Zucchini cut into round chunks
- 1 Red bell pepper cut into chunks
- 1 Yellow bell pepper cut into chunks
- 1 Red onion cut into wedges
- 1 pint Cherry tomatoes
Instructions
- To create the marinade, mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, oregano, thyme, minced garlic, pepper, and salt in a bowl.
- Preheat your grill or pan over medium-high or high fire.
- Thread the vegetables onto the soaked wooden skewers, alternating between zucchini rounds, bell pepper chunks, red onion wedges, and cherry tomatoes.
- Brush the marinade generously over the vegetables.
- Grill them for 10 to 15 minutes until they are charred and cooked to your liking.
- While grilling, drizzle the skewers with the remaining marinade.
- After you are happy with the result, let them rest for a few minutes before you serve them.