Chipolte-Glazed Vegetable
Kebabs
2 medium-large zucchini, trimmed
18 small white mushrooms, stems trimmed flat with the caps
18 large cherry tomatoes, stemmed
3/4 cup Chipotle vinaigrette (recipe follows)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Cut each zucchini crosswise into 9 equally
thick slices. Trim the slices to form cubes. Divide the vegetables,
alternating them, among 6 flat metal skewers. Be certain to arrange
the flat sides of the zucchini cubes and the stem ends of the
mushrooms so they will get the maximum exposure to the fire.
- Light a direct heat charcoal fire and
let it burn down to medium-hot (5 seconds to "ouch")
or preheat a gas grill to medium-high. Position the rack about
6 inches above the heat source.
- When the grill is ready, lightly brush
the kebabs with some of the vinaigrette. Lay the kebabs on the
rack, cover and grill, turning every 2 minutes and basting often
with the vinaigrette, until it is used up and the vegetables
are lightly colored by the grill, 6 to 8 minutes total.
- Season with salt and pepper and slide
the vegetables off the skewers onto plates. Serve hot.
Serves 6.
Chipotle Vinaigrette
This smoky and seductive dressing is not
too fiery hot and so can be used on salads ranging from plain
(though not delicate) greens to main-dish salads featuring meat,
poultry, or seafood. It only takes minutes to prepare.
3 tablespoons sherry wine vinegar
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
2 garlic cloves, chopped
2 canned chipotles en adobo, chopped
2 tablespoons adobo sauce from the chipotle can
1/2 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup olive oil
freshly ground black pepper
- In a food processor or blender, combine
the sherry vinegar, balsamic vinegar, garlic, chipotles, adobo
and its sauce, and salt. Process until smooth. With the motor
running, gradually add the oil through the hole in the lid: the
dressing will thicken. Season with pepper and pulse to blend.
Adjust the seasoning and pulse again just before using.
- Use immediately or cover tightly and refrigerate
for up to 3 days. The dressing may separate; return to room temperature,
then rewhisk to blend.