Mediterranean-Spiced Tofu Kebabs

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These flavor-packed tofu kebabs are made with summer veggies and tofu soaked in a spicy Mediterranean-inspired marinade. Cook them up on the grill or in the oven and served over spiced basmati rice.

I say this every year and here I am saying it again: I’m a terrible vegetable gardener. I think I’ve figured out that I don’t take it seriously enough.

I bought a bunch of plants and stuck them into the ground a few weeks ago. Among them are tomatoes, peppers, a few herbs, and something else that I can’t identify with certainty yet. Whatever it is, it’s cruciferous and not cauliflower. The lady I bought it from at the farmstand didn’t know what it was (apparently I’m not the only one who doesn’t take my garden seriously), but I decided to buy it anyway because I like to live on the edge. The farmstand lady also gave me some free pea plants, which I think are a spring plant so I wasn’t so sure about taking them…but they were free, so why not? I didn’t get to find out how peas hold up in the heat because a baby bunny ate all of my pea plants. I did nothing to stop him. How can I deny a baby bunny a snack? Gardeners must have nerves of steel.

Othewise though, things aren’t looking too bad this year. So I’m working on lots of recipes that are filled with veggies in anticipation of the motherload springing forth from my backyard in a couple of months.

Veggie kebabs are great because they work with just about anything. If those pepper plants don’t make it, cherry tomatoes would do just fine. No zucchini? Use eggplant instead. And if you’re a really bad gardener like me, you don’t even have to grow it yourself, so the pressure is off.

The marinade and tofu are the important parts here. Coconut milk might seem like a weird base for something Mediterranean-y, but you really can’t taste the coconut at all. I even tried a few different versions of the marinade, and coconut won, hands down. You can grill or bake these too. Grilling is my favorite way to eat them (lots of smoky flavor), but when it comes time to get cooking I usually go with the oven for ease.

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Mediterranean-Spiced Tofu Kebabs

These flavor-packed tofu kebabs are made with summer veggies and tofu soaked in a spicy Mediterranean-inspired marinade. Cook them up on the grill or in the oven and served over spiced basmati rice. CourseEntree CuisineAmerican, Mediterranean Prep Time 15 minutes Cook Time 40 minutes Total Time 55 minutes Servings 4 Calories 243 kcal Author Alissa

Ingredients

1cuplight coconut milk
3tablespoonslemon juice
2tablespoonstomato paste
3garlic cloves,minced
2teaspoonspaprika
2teaspoonsground cumin
½teaspoonturmeric
¼teaspooncayenne pepper,or more to taste
¾teaspoonsalt,or to taste
¼teaspoonblack pepper
114 ounce package extra firm tofu, drained, pressed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1small zucchini,cut into large chunks
1medium red bell pepper,cut into large chunks

For Serving

Turmeric rice,or plain basmati rice
Tahini
Fresh cilantro

Instructions

In a medium bowl stir together the coconut milk, lemon juice, tomato paste, garlic, paprika, cumin, turmeric, cayenne, salt and pepper. Add the tofu, zucchini, and pepper and gently stir to coat. Allow to marinate at room temperature for at least 1 hour.
Arrange the tofu zucchini, and pepper pieces on skewers.
To grill: lightly oil the grate and and place the skewers on the grill. Grill over a medium flame until lightly charred and the veggies are tender, about 10 minutes, brushing with excess marinade while grilling and turning halfway through.
To bake: Preheat the oven to 400° and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arranger the skewers on the parchment-lined baking sheet and bake unit lightly browned in spots and the veggies are tender, about 35 minutes, turning halfway through.
Divide the skewers onto plates, sprinkle with cilantro, and drizzle with tahini. Serve.

Nutrition FactsMediterranean-Spiced Tofu KebabsAmount Per ServingCalories 243Calories from Fat 172% Daily Value*Fat 19.1g29%Saturated Fat 13.7g69%Sodium 475mg20%Potassium 579mg17%Carbohydrates 12.1g4%Fiber 1g4%Sugar 6g7%Protein 11.1g22%Calcium 180mg18%Iron 4.1mg23%* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.« Japanese Salad with Carrot Ginger DressingCannellini Bean & Broccoli Rabe Meatballs »