MSG Free Smoky Paprika White Bean & Zucchini Skewers
These vibrant skewers are everything a summer grill session should be — smoky, colorful, and packed with bold flavor from a marinade built entirely on whole spices and fresh aromatics. Smoked paprika and cumin do the heavy lifting here, giving the white beans and vegetables a deep, savory character that tastes far more complex than the ingredient list suggests. For anyone navigating a sensitivity to monosodium glutamate, this recipe is a breath of fresh air because every bit of flavor comes from real, recognizable sources — no seasoning packets, no flavor enhancers, no fine print to decode. The zucchini and red bell pepper pick up gorgeous grill marks while the cannellini beans develop lightly charred edges that add a satisfying, almost meaty bite. A squeeze of fresh lemon at the end brightens the whole plate and keeps things feeling light even with all that smoky depth. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or just want something impressive on a weeknight, these skewers come together with minimal fuss and deliver maximum payoff.
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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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