Honey Free Smoky Paprika White Bean & Zucchini Skewers
These vibrant skewers prove that grilled food doesn't need a drop of sweetener to be deeply satisfying and full of bold flavor. The marinade does all the heavy lifting — smoked paprika, cumin, turmeric, and a hit of cayenne come together with fresh garlic and lemon juice to create something smoky, bright, and just a little spicy. White beans are the unexpected star here, picking up char on the grill and delivering a creamy, hearty bite between the tender zucchini and sweet red bell pepper. So many store-bought marinades and grilling sauces sneak in sweeteners, which makes this from-scratch approach a genuinely reliable option when you need to keep things completely free of added sweeteners. The technique of packing the skewers snugly keeps the beans from spinning off and ensures every piece gets even contact with the grill grates. A squeeze of fresh lemon and a scatter of parsley at the end lifts the whole dish and makes it look as good as it tastes. Whether you're firing these up for a weeknight dinner or a backyard cookout, they're the kind of plant-forward skewers that disappear fast.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the skewers
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
- 2 medium zucchini, cut into 1-inch rounds
- 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
For the marinade
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For serving
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges (optional)
Instructions
- 1
If using wooden skewers, submerge them in water and soak for at least 15 minutes to prevent scorching on the grill.
- 2
In a large bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, the smoked paprika, cumin, turmeric, cayenne, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until combined.
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