Have you ever found yourself mesmerized by the vibrant colors of fresh produce at the farmer’s market? There’s something almost hypnotic about a pile of glistening bell peppers and zucchini, especially when they’re destined for the grill. These grilled vegetable kabobs are like little bursts of summer on a stick—simple yet spectacular, and perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon when the world feels just a bit slower and the sun seems to linger a bit longer.
Steps
- Begin by gathering all the required ingredients for the recipe.
- Prepare your grill by heating it to a medium temperature and lightly oiling the grate. Thread the pineapple, zucchini, yellow squash, mushrooms, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and red bell pepper onto the soaked bamboo skewers in an alternating pattern.
- In a bowl, mix together olive oil, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Use this mixture to brush over the skewered vegetables.
- Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook them until the vegetables are tender, which should take about 10 to 15 minutes, turning and basting them occasionally with the remaining oil mixture.
- Once cooked to your desired tenderness, remove from the grill and serve immediately to enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 fresh pineapple, cut into chunks
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 2 medium yellow squash, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- ½ pound whole fresh mushrooms
- 1 medium red onion, cut into chunks
- 12 cherry tomatoes
- 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 8 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 20 minutes
- ? cup olive oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried basil
- ¾ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ? teaspoon ground black pepper
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1624 | Total Fat: 76g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Sodium: 1264mg | Total Carbohydrate: 240g | Dietary Fiber: 36g | Total Sugars: 164g | Protein: 28g | Vitamin C: 988mg | Calcium: 400mg | Iron: 12mg | Potassium: 5200mg
FAQ
- Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh for the veggie skewers?
- Yes, canned pineapple can be a suitable alternative to fresh pineapple. Just make sure to drain it well before using it in the recipe.
- What can I use if I don’t have bamboo skewers?
- Metal skewers are a great substitute if you don’t have bamboo ones. If you use bamboo skewers, remember to soak them in water for about 20 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Are there any additional ingredients I can add for extra flavor?
- Many people enjoy adding garlic, balsamic vinegar, or even a splash of lemon juice to enhance the flavor. You might also consider adding a bit of pineapple juice to the olive oil mixture.
- How can I ensure that the vegetables cook evenly on the grill?
- To ensure even cooking, cut the vegetables into similar-sized pieces and turn the skewers regularly during grilling. Also, basting them with the olive oil mixture helps to keep them moist and flavorful.
- What should I serve with these grilled veggie skewers?
- These skewers are a versatile dish that pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or as a standalone vegetarian option. They’re perfect as a light main dish or as a colorful side to complement any meal.
Tips
- Soak the bamboo skewers in water for at least 20 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
- Consider incorporating additional flavors such as garlic, balsamic vinegar, or a splash of lemon juice to enhance the taste of the vegetables.
- If fresh pineapple isn’t available, canned pineapple can be used as a suitable substitute without compromising taste.
- To ensure even cooking, turn and baste the skewers with the olive oil mixture regularly while grilling.
Equipment
- Grill (if you don’t already have one)
- Bamboo skewers (if not available at home)
- Grill brush (for oiling the grate)
- Basting brush (for applying the olive oil mixture)
