| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 185 | 8g | 1.2g | 30g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 16g | 4g | 3g | 0.2g |
When you think of Southern cuisine, images of biscuits, fried chicken and seafood likely come to mind. But what if I told you that one of my all-time favorite dishes actually hails from the land of the Nile? It’s a tasty vegetable-based recipe called Grilled Egyptian Onion and Pepper Skewers, and it always brings an undeniable zing to my table. Trust me, after trying this vibrantly seasoned, power-packed side dish, you’ll be convinced that the South and Egypt aren’t that far apart in the culinary world. 
Something New, Something Refreshingly Familiar
The beauty of Grilled Egyptian Onion and Pepper Skewers lies in its blend of familiar and surprising elements. If you’ve ever made chicken and pineapple kabobs, you’ll find echoes of that recipe here. It’s essentially the same principle but with an Egyptian twist, swapping out chicken for nutrient-rich onions and peppers. This recipe would pair excellently with almost any main course, be it barbecued meat or pan-seared fish.
Nutrition and Flavor Hand in Hand
These skewers aren’t just a burst of flavors; they’re also packed with health benefits. Sweet onions, for instance, are a savory source of Vitamin C, folate, and fiber, which promote heart health and support the immune system. Simultaneously, bell peppers – irrespective of their color – are high in fiber, and loaded with antioxidants. Pineapple brings the sweetness and a famous enzyme – bromelain, that aids digestion and fights inflammation. All these ingredients are gently glazed with a mix of olive oil, lime juice, honey, and array of spices including cumin, coriander, and paprika, that elevate the flavors and add their unique health benefits to the skewers.
So there you have it folks – an exciting vegetable-based recipe that fits perfectly with your summer barbecues, weeknight dinners and everything in between. With this tasty, nutritious alternative, you can enjoy a good old Southern tradition, charred and grilled, with a twist of Egyptian culinary adventure. This is a recipe that I hold dear to my heart, and I’m thrilled to share it with all of you. Until next time, happy grilling!
What You’ll Need
- 3 large Egyptian (or other sweet) onions
- 2 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 large pineapple
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 12 wooden or metal skewers
Method
Step One
Take 3 large Egyptian onions, 2 large bell peppers (any color), and a large pineapple. Slice the onions and bell peppers into large pieces, and cut the pineapple into chunks.
Step Two
In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of olive oil, 1/4 cup of fresh lime juice, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Stir until the honey is completely dissolved.
Step Three
Add in 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of ground coriander, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper to the mixture. Mix well until all the spices are evenly distributed in the mixture.
Step Four
Put the cut onions, bell peppers, and pineapple into a large bowl. Pour the spice and oil mixture over them. Toss until all the pieces are well coated with the mixture.
Step Five
Preheat your grill to medium heat. While the grill is heating up, thread the marinated pieces onto 12 skewers, alternating between onion, bell pepper, and pineapple.
Step Six
Place the skewers on the grill, and cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally. The skewers are done when the vegetables are tender and a bit charred.
Step Seven
Remove the skewers from the grill and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Grilled Egyptian Onion and Pepper Skewers!
