Go Back
+ servings
vegan Kebab Skewers

Kebab Skewers with Salatet Zabadi

5 from 1 vote
Middle Eastern Fusion Kebabs: A creative twist on Egyptian tradition, these succulent, smoky kebabs are a blend of lentils, chickpeas, and vital wheat gluten. Simmered to perfection, they're marinated in a tantalizing mix of flavors and roasted until crispy. Serve alongside a refreshing salatet zabadi (yogurt dip) for a delightful culinary journey.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Author: Noha Elbadry - Cloud
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Kebab Dough

  • 1 15-oz [425-g] can lentils, undrained
  • 2/3 cup 109 g cooked chickpeas
  • 3 tbsp 45 ml soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp 30 g harissa paste
  • 1 tbsp 12 g mushroom seasoning or no-beef bouillon
  • 2 tsp 10 ml liquid smoke
  • 1 tbsp 7 g onion powder
  • 1 tbsp 7 g garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp 7 g smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried sage
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 2 cups 240 g vital wheat gluten, plus more if needed

For the Kebab Marinade

  • 3 tbsp 45 ml olive oil
  • 2 tbsp 30 ml soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp 20 g pomegranate molasses
  • 1 tbsp 15 ml liquid smoke
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  •  

For the Salatet Zabadi

  • cups 115 g vegan yogurt
  • 1 English cucumber - grated then placed in a towel and wrung out
  • ¼ cup 13 g chopped dill
  • 2 tbsp 11 g chopped mint leaves
  • 2 tbsp 30 ml lemon juice
  • 1 large clove garlic - minced
  • 1 tsp sea salt

To Serve

  • Spring mix
  • Sliced cherry tomatoes
  • Sliced cucumbers
  • Chopped fresh mint
  • Pickled red onions
  • Cooked quinoa
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

  • To make the kebab, add 1 cup (240 ml) of water to a food processor with the lentils, chickpeas, soy sauce, harissa, mushroom seasoning, liquid smoke, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, sage and salt. Pulse it until completely smooth and creamy.
  • Place the vital wheat gluten in a large bowl. Pour the creamy lentil mixture on top and knead until combined. Add more gluten 1 tablespoon (8 g) at a time if the mixture is too wet and not holding together. Transfer the dough to a stand mixer with the dough hook attachment and knead for 5 minutes or knead by hand for 10 minutes. The dough should be elastic and moist without being crumbly.
  • Fill a large pot halfway with water and bring it to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Chop the kebab dough into bite-sized pieces; smaller is better because seitan expands as it cooks. Transfer the seitan to the pot and simmer the seitan bites for 30 to 40 minutes, or until meaty and tender. Drain the seitan bites and set them aside to cool.
  • To make the marinade, whisk together the oil, soy sauce, pomegranate molasses, liquid smoke, smoked paprika and coriander in a large container with a lid. Transfer the seitan to the container and toss to coat. Refrigerate and let marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  • To cook the kebab, preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Arrange the seitan bites on skewers, transfer them to a grilling pan, brush them with the marinade and roast them for 10 minutes. Flip the skewers, brush them with the marinade again and continue roasting until crispy on all sides, about 7 to 10 more minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and set it aside.
  • To make the salatet zabadi, combine the yogurt, cucumber, dill, mint, lemon juice, garlic and salt in a large container with an airtight lid. Mix well and cover. Refrigerate until ready to use or for up to 3 days.
  • To plate, start with a base of spring mix, then top with tomatoes, cucumbers, mint, pickled onions and the kebab skewers. Serve with a side of salatet zabadi, quinoa and a couple of lime wedges.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!