Marmite Vegetable Skewers
A starter that's guaranteed to divide opinion, this could at least be an option to help make BBQ season tolerable for any veggies out there. I've come across a few sceptics regarding the use of tofu as a source of protein in vegan dishes, many dismissing it as a 'hipster' ingredient that is neither here nor there. What I can confirm is, that while it may not be pulling up any tastebud trees when cooked by itself, tofu is a sponge for flavour. Combine it with the potent tang of Marmite™, and the delectable sweetness of the honey and you're left with a starter that'll have BBQ attendees putting the burgers and ribs to one side.
Ingredients (Serves 2):
- 200g Firm tofu
-1 Courgette
- 12 Plum tomatoes
- 4 Red onions
- 12 Baby button mushrooms
- 1 Red pepper
- 1 Green pepper
- 2 tbsp Marmite™
- 2 tbsp Runny honey
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions:
1. Slice off one block of tofu weighing roughly 200g.
2. Wrap two pieces of kitchen roll around block of tofu and gently press with rolling pin until all water is drained. Cut block into 8 even cubes and set aside.
3. Slice courgette into 2cm thick pieces and place aside.
4. Peel red onions and cut into quarters, before also placing aside.
5. Cut open the red and green pepper and de-seed, cutting into long, thin slices, and placing aside.
6. Put 2 tbsp of honey into a bowl, and 2 tbsp of Marmite into a separate bowls.
7. Dip half of the tofu blocks into the honey and turn until each side is coated. Repeat process with other half of tofu blocks in the Marmite bowl.*
8. Repeat process by coating half red onion pieces in honey, and other half in Marmite.
9. Spread out tofu and onion pieces across 4 wooden skewers, and grill on 300F (150C) for 6 minutes, turning once.
10. Coat remaining vegetable pieces and add to tofu and red onion skewers. Return to grill for further 6-10 minutes, or until vegetables are bronzed on outside.
11. Take skewers from grill and serve on plate.
Recipe Profile:
- 5 of your 5-a-day ✓
- Low fat content ✓
- High Vitamin C content ✓
- Vegan ✓
Original Photography
Contributor: Jack Ratcliff, Northumbria University, International Business and Economics
"I'm not vegan, but I've got a mate who is, and he seemed to be a fan of these at the last barbecue I threw. I actually tried a couple of the skewers myself- they weren't bad! Maybe not good enough for me to put down the burgers and ribs full stop, but good enough to perch on my plate alongside them."