Vegetarian Souvlaki

Ingredients

While the original Greek Souvlaki traditionally features marinated meat skewers, our vegetarian adaptation replaces the meat with a combination of marinated tofu and a medley of colorful vegetables. This plant-based version retains the essence of the original dish while offering a lighter and healthier alternative. We alse have the original recipe for Souvlaki, so you can check it out.

• 14 oz (400g) firm tofu, cubed 14 oz (400g) firm tofu, cubed
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 red onion, cut into chunks 1 red onion, cut into chunks
• 1 zucchini, sliced 1 zucchini, sliced
• 8 cherry tomatoes 8 cherry tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 pita breads, for serving 4 pita breads, for serving
• Tzatziki sauce, for serving Tzatziki sauce, for serving
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 12g (Saturated Fat: 2g)
• Carbohydrates: 38g (Sugars: 7g)
• Protein: 16g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
2. 2.
   Add the tofu cubes to the marinade and gently toss to coat. Allow the tofu to marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Thread the marinated tofu, bell peppers, red onion, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes onto skewers, alternating the ingredients.
5. 5.
   Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and lightly charred.
6. 6.
   While the skewers are cooking, warm the pita breads on the grill for a minute on each side.
7. 7.
   Remove the skewers from the grill and carefully slide the vegetables and tofu off the skewers.
8. 8.
   Serve the Vegetarian Souvlaki on warm pita breads, topped with tzatziki sauce and garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tofu — Press the tofu before marinating to remove excess moisture and enhance its texture.
• Tzatziki sauce — For a vegan version, substitute dairy-based yogurt with plant-based yogurt or use a cashew-based tzatziki sauce.

Tips & Tricks

• Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before using to prevent them from burning on the grill.
• Experiment with different vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, or cherry tomatoes for added variety.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the cooked skewers for an extra burst of flavor.
• Serve with a side of Greek salad or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.
• If you don't have a grill, you can also cook the skewers in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes.

Serving advice

Serve the Vegetarian Souvlaki hot, allowing each person to assemble their own pita sandwich. Encourage guests to drizzle extra tzatziki sauce over their souvlaki for a creamy and tangy touch.

Presentation advice

Arrange the colorful skewers on a platter, garnished with fresh parsley. Serve the warm pita breads in a basket alongside the skewers for a visually appealing presentation.