Soy Meatball Skewers with Vegetables

Here is the recipe for soy meatball skewers with vegetables, suitable for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet. Remember, if some of the ingredients are not available to you, I can suggest some alternatives.

Ingredients

  • 200 g of granulated soy or ground soy
  • 1 zucchini
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 1 yellow bell pepper
  • 1 small eggplant
  • Breadcrumbs as needed
  • 1 small onion
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and pepper as needed
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Soy sauce (optional)
  • Aromatic herbs to taste (basil, rosemary, thyme)
  • Toothpicks or wooden skewers

Preparation

  1. First, hydrate the granulated soy following the instructions on the package, usually by pouring hot water over it and letting it rest for about 10-15 minutes. If using ground soy, I recommend hydrating it so that it’s suitable for meatball processing.

  2. In the meantime, prepare the vegetables: wash and cut the zucchini, peppers, and eggplant into pieces not too large to be skewered.

  3. Drain and squeeze the soy well to remove the excess liquid. Transfer it to a large bowl.

  4. Finely chop the onion and garlic and add them to the soy along with the parsley, salt, pepper, a drizzle of EVO oil, and a tablespoon of soy sauce for an extra touch of flavor. Mix everything well.

  5. Add breadcrumbs to the soy mixture until you get a solid mixture that can be shaped into small meatballs.

  6. Shape the mixture into walnut-sized meatballs and set them aside.

  7. Once you have formed all the meatballs, you can start assembling the skewers by alternating vegetables and meatballs. If you are using toothpicks, prepare mini skewers with a few pieces on each one; if you have longer skewers, you can include more vegetables and meatballs.

  8. Heat a grill or a non-stick pan and brush with a little oil. Cook the skewers over medium-high heat, turning them occasionally until the vegetables have softened and the meatballs have taken color.

Curiosity

Soy is a legume highly valued in vegetarian and vegan diets for its high protein content. In this recipe, the soy meatballs represent an excellent plant-based alternative to classic meatballs, maintaining a rich flavor and a pleasant texture. The soy meatball skewers with vegetables are an example of how tasty and appealing dishes can be created while respecting a diet based on plant ingredients.