Xanthan Gum Free Smoky Paprika White Bean & Zucchini Skewers
These vibrant skewers are a smoky, satisfying way to fire up the grill without relying on any thickeners or stabilizers — just whole, honest ingredients doing all the heavy lifting. A bold marinade of smoked paprika, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne coats creamy white beans, tender zucchini, and sweet red bell pepper, building layers of flavor that taste far more complex than the ingredient list suggests. The beans char beautifully at the edges on the grill, picking up that irresistible smoky crust while staying soft and buttery inside. Many packaged marinades and spice blends sneak in additives you'd rather avoid, so mixing your own from pantry staples here is both smarter and tastier. Threading the vegetables and beans snugly onto skewers keeps everything stable on the grill and ensures every bite gets those gorgeous char marks. A squeeze of fresh lemon and a scatter of parsley at the end brighten the whole dish and make it look as good as it tastes. Whether you're serving these as a main or a showstopping side, they're the kind of recipe that makes plant-based grilling feel genuinely exciting.
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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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