These skewers are all about summer time and warm weather. They are light, yet filling and full of flavor. I love summer and the variety of delicious vegetables and fruits that are at their peak in these warm summer months. This recipe uses fresh bell peppers, onions, mushrooms and juicy pineapple. Chop and season your ingredients inside, grab a cold drink then take them outside to cook, avoiding heating up the kitchen.
Growing up my mom cooked “kabobs” and that’s what I knew to call them. Well, turns out there’s kebabs, kabobs, kebaps or kababs which are all a type of cooked meat dish that originated from cuisines of the Middle East. For this recipe, I’m calling them skewers, which is defined as: a long piece of wood or metal used for holding pieces of food, typically meat, together during cooking. Yep! That’ll work. These skewers are delicious over a bowl of Basmati Rice, Couscous or Cauliflower rice.
Chop and season your ingredients inside, skewer, then grab a cold drink and head outside to cook avoiding heating up the kitchen. An added bonus!
What you need to make these skewers
- Chicken Sausage: I really like Al Fresco brand sausages…okay I love them! I use them in a lot of my recipes because they are affordable, quick and easy! However, yes, they are a processed meat so I do limit how often we are eating them. But the Al Fresco brand is minimally processed and has no added nitrates or nitrites. Use any brand (and flavor) of chicken sausages you wish.. I used the Sweet Italian sausages for this recipe. They complimented the peppers and sweet pineapple perfectly!
- Bell peppers, Onion, Mushrooms, Fresh pineapple: Omit or add any other fruits or vegetables you’d like on your skewers. this was a perfect harmony of flavors that went well together.
- Skewers: I prefer the metal skewers, especially for the grill. They are longer and more durable for holding a load of meat and veggies.
Good for you ingredients
Chicken sausage
Chicken sausage is a healthy alternative to traditional pork sausage. It’s leaner and contains less fat, calories and sodium per serving, yet has that delicious and savory sausage flavoring. Look for a brand, like Al Fresco, that is minimally processed and does not contain nitrates or nitrites.
Whether you’re looking for a healthy alternative to traditional pork or are aiming to be more health-conscientious, chicken sausage will deliver a tasty meal at a fraction of the fat and sodium! (Two major contributors in our diets that lead to cardiovascular disease).
Average chicken sausage (around 74g): 110-150 calories, 5-8 g fat, 1.5-3 g saturated fat, 500-700 mg of sodium
Average pork bratwurst sausage (65-75g): 180-280 calories, 17-25 g fat, 4-10 g saturated fat, 560-1800 mg of sodium.
Fresh Pineapple
Pineapples are low in calories and contain an impressive list of nutrients and health benefits. Pineapples are packed with nutrients, antioxidants and enzymes that can protect against inflammation and disease in our bodies. Pineapple has also been linked to several health benefits such as improving digestion and immunity. Pineapple is a great accompaniment to meat as it contains a digestive enzyme called Bromelain, which helps break down the protein in meat so your body is better able to absorb the nutrients and amino acids it needs.
Other Options for cooking
- If you do not have a grill or feel like grilling you can roast these in an oven at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Turning midway through.
- Instead of skewering the ingredients, toss them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and roast at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes.
Notes & Tips
- Avocado oil versus other oils. I only cook with quality avocado and olive oils. Unfortunately a lot of the oils we cook with, and that I grew up with- vegetable oil, seed oils, canola oil- are inflammatory to our bodies.
- Avocado oil has a higher smoke point which translates to it with standing a higher temperature before smoking and releasing toxic chemicals into your food. Check your brand of oil, as it varies by brand, but most avocado oils can be cooked safely up to 500 degrees, making it a great oil for grilling.
- Metal skewers are better for grilling. Just be careful as they will be HOT off the grill! If you are using wooden skewers, make sure you soak them in water for 30 minutes to an hour before skewering. This will also help them to not splinter when you’re “skewering”- yes, it’s a verb now…at least it is on this blog.
How to Store & Reheat Skewers
- To store: Carefully remove ingredients from the skewers and store in an air tight container. Store in refrigerator. I recommend eating within 3 days. (Time Saver tip: Store any leftover rice and skewers in a reheatable container and take it with you for lunch tomorrow).
- To freeze: I don’t recommend freezing.
- To reheat: Toss ingredients in a nonstick skillet with a little oil to prevent sticking or zap them in the microwave.
Grilled Chicken Sausage, Pineapple & Summer Veggie Skewers
This is a perfect summer dinner meal. Grilling elevates the taste of these vegetables and slightly caramelizes the sugars in the pineapple, bringing out its natural sweetness. Paired with the slightly spicy sausage, this is a sure crowd pleaser.
- Prep Time: 10 Minutes
- Cook Time: 20 Minutes
- Yield: 6 Skewers
Ingredients
- 1 pack of Alfresco Sweet Italian Chicken Sausage, cut into chunks
- 1 large onion, cut into quarters
- 1 large green bell pepper, cut into quarters
- 1 large red bell pepper, cut into quarters
- 1 8 oz. pack of whole mushrooms, washed and dried
- 1/2 Fresh pineapple, cut into chunks
- 1/3 cup Avocado oil
- 1/2 tsp. onion powder
Instructions
- Chop all of your ingredients accordingly.
- Toss ingredients into a mixing bowl and drizzle with Avocado oil.
- Season with salt & pepper and onion powder. With the flavorful ingredients and the char taste of the grill, these did not need much seasoning in my opinion, but feel free to spice them up to your taste and preference.
- Mix ingredients well so that they are all well coated with oil and seasoning. Add more if needed.
- Begin to carefully assemble your skewers in whatever combinations and order you desire.
- Once all of your skewers are skewed (is that a word?), place them on the grill at medium high heat, around 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes, turning and checking along the way. Cook to you preference.
Notes
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