I like to mix and match vegetables for their diverse flavors, textures, and health benefits. Meat lovers will be surprised at how filling and delicious roasted vegetables can be. So fire up the grill and get ready for some Mediterranean Vegetable Kebabs!
The History of the Shish Kebab
A shish kebab typically consists of meat and vegetables grilled on a skewer. The term shish kebab comes from the Turkish words şiş kebap that mean “skewer” and “roast meat,” which originated when Turkish soldiers used to grill chunks of freshly hunted animals on swords over open field fires. Thankfully, we’ve come a long way since then.
Today, shish kebabs many cultures enjoy kebabs in some form or another:
- In Asia, there’s satay, which is roasted skewered meat served with a dipping sauce often made from peanuts.
- Portuguese espetadas consist of beef marinated in wine and slow-roasted on skewers over an open fire.
- In Japanese cuisine, you’ll find yakitori, or grilled skewered fowl.
- The French call shish kebabs brochettes, meaning “skewers”.
There are No Rules
Although shish kebabs traditionally refer to meat on skewers, there’s no rule that states you have to have meat. Serve up a collection of vegetables for a flavorful, healthy meal. These Mediterranean Vegetable Kebabs don’t have to be exclusively vegetables either! You can be creative here and even include fruits like peaches, nectarines, pears, pineapple, or cherries. You simply can’t go wrong with a variety of fresh produce.
Make it a Meal
Serve with delicious Vegan Mac and Cheese Muffins and a tossed garden salad for a crowd-pleasing barbecue picnic!
