Mediterranean Grilled Vegetable Skewers.

How Cut Vegetables for Kabobs

The goal here is to make sure the vegetable pieces are large enough to stay on the skewers, but not so thick that they won’t cook through.

• Onions: Cut into half through the root end, then into quarters and then ⅛s. Leave the root intact where you can.
• Bell peppers: Cut into large triangular chunks. For mini peppers, cut in half lengthwise, pulling off the stem and seeded core.
• Summer Squash and Zucchini: Look for long, slender zucchini and cut into 1″ circle slices. Yellow summer squash tend to be rounder on one end, so cut those in half lengthwise and then into slices so they’re the shape of a half moon.
• Mushrooms: Baby bella or crimini mushrooms are the perfect size for threading onto skewers. Use a damp paper towel to gently clean off the dirt. Gently pop the stems off. If you have larger portobello mushrooms, cut into large bite sized pieces.

Mediterranean Marinade for Grilling

Mediterranean flavors smell and taste of summer. The marinade for these grilled vegetable skewers is super tasty thanks to a large dose of lemons, fresh oregano, and garlic. I’ve added in some olive oil so the kabobs won’t stick to the grill. If you like a little kick to your veggies, add in some crushed red pepper too.

• Measure olive oil into a bowl big enough to fit all the vegetables.Zest and juice the lemon over the bowl.
• Use the microplane to zest the garlic as well. Add in salt, pepper, mustard and fresh herbs.
• Fresh oregano adds a ton of flavor. If you don’t have any, use chopped fresh basil, parsley, cilantro or thyme. Fresh herbs are a great way to add great taste without the need for additional sugar, salt or oil.
• Whisk everything together until uniform in consistency.

Marinate Veggies

• Since mushrooms are like sponges and will gobble up all the marinade, put those in last. There will be plenty on the bottom of the bowl left for them.
• Place cut up bell peppers, summer squash, onions and zucchini into bowl with marinade. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
• Then add the mushrooms and gently toss until they are coated as well.
• Everything can be prepared up to this point and allowed to sit as long as overnight, or as short as 5 minutes. Whatever your time allows for.

Grilling Veggie Kabobs

• Make sure your grill is clean before you begin. I like to place a thick slice of onion or potato on a large BBQ fork and rub it back and forth on a preheated grill before I begin.
• Preheat grill for best results.
• Place skewers directly onto hot grill. It’s ok if they’re right next to each other.
• Cook, undisturbed for 3-4 minutes, until grill marks begin to appear.
• Carefully turn to other side and continue to grill for 3-4 more minutes, until tender.