Soy and mushroom skewers

Soy and Mushroom Skewers – a Delicious Vegetable Delicacy

Total Preparation Time: 45 minutes
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Number of Servings: 4 servings

Welcome to the world of healthy and tasty dishes! Today, I invite you to discover a recipe for soy and mushroom skewers, perfect for a light meal full of flavor and color. These skewers are not only an excellent choice for vegetarians but also a savory option for anyone looking to add more vegetables to their diet.

A Brief History
Skewers are a traditional way of cooking meat and vegetables, with ancient origins. People discovered that by threading food onto sticks and cooking it over fire, they could create delicious and easy-to-serve dishes. Today's recipe combines the meaty texture of soy with the rich flavor of mushrooms, offering a healthy alternative to traditional skewers.

Ingredients
- 100 g soy cubes
- 100 g bell pepper (preferably red or yellow for added color)
- 200 g tomatoes (choose well-ripened tomatoes)
- 300 g mushrooms (champignon or wild mushrooms, according to preference)
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 2 sprigs of tarragon (fresh for an intense aroma)
- 30 ml olive oil (or other preferred vegetable oil)
- 20 g salt
- 2 g pepper
- 2 g sweet paprika

Step by Step

Step 1: Preparing the Soy
Start by boiling the soy cubes. Put a pot of water to boil, add salt, and when the water is boiling, add the soy cubes. Let them boil for 10-15 minutes until they become soft. Once cooked, drain them and let them cool. These soy cubes will absorb all the flavors from the marinade, so don’t skip this step!

Step 2: Preparing the Marinade
In a medium bowl, finely chop the 4 cloves of garlic. Add the olive oil, salt, pepper, and sweet paprika. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition. Incorporate the tarragon leaves, which will add a fresh and distinct taste. This marinade is key to giving the skewers a special flavor.

Step 3: Cutting the Vegetables
Wash the tomatoes, bell peppers, and mushrooms under a cold water stream. Make sure to dry them well with a clean towel. Cut the bell peppers into pieces the size of the soy cubes, and mushrooms into halves or quarters, depending on their size. Tomatoes can be cut into 2-3 cm cubes. This uniformity in size will help the skewers cook evenly.

Step 4: Assembling the Skewers
Now that you have all the ingredients prepared, it’s time to assemble the skewers. Take a skewer stick and start alternating between soy cubes, bell peppers, tomatoes, and mushrooms. Continue until all ingredients are used. Try to place them as tightly as possible without crushing them, to allow heat to circulate around them.

Step 5: Cooking the Skewers
Preheat the grill to a medium-high temperature. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10 minutes, turning them occasionally to brown evenly on all sides. From time to time, drizzle the skewers with the remaining marinade to enhance the flavor. The golden color and enticing aroma will indicate that they are ready.

Serving
Soy and mushroom skewers are served hot, alongside a portion of steaming polenta and fresh radishes. This combination not only adds a contrast of textures but also an explosion of flavors. The polenta brings a sweet taste, while the radishes add a spicy and crunchy note. If you want an extra flavor boost, add a drizzle of olive oil and a few fresh tarragon leaves.

Useful Tips
- Choose quality soy cubes, preferably organic, to ensure you have a healthy product.
- If you don’t have tarragon, try oregano or thyme, which will provide a different but equally delicious taste.
- If you want to experiment, add slices of zucchini or onion between the vegetables for an even more diverse flavor.
- These skewers can also be served with a fresh salad or a yogurt sauce based on mint.

Nutritional Benefits
These skewers are rich in protein due to the soy, which is an excellent source of plant-based protein. Additionally, mushrooms are a perfect choice for adding fiber and antioxidants to your diet. Fresh vegetables contribute essential vitamins and minerals, making this dish a healthy choice for a balanced meal.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use textured soy instead of soy cubes?
Yes, but make sure to hydrate it according to the instructions on the package before using it.
- How can I store leftover skewers?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, but consume them within 2 days to keep them fresh.
- Can I cook the skewers in the oven?
Sure! Place them on a baking tray and bake at 200 degrees Celsius for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through.

I encourage you to try this simple yet spectacular recipe. Soy and mushroom skewers will surely become a favorite choice for gatherings with friends or family dinners. Enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen and don't forget to share this recipe with your loved ones!