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Meat, Meal soups and plant based

Turkey skewers with cauliflower tabbouleh

Turkey skewers with cauliflower tabbouleh is a dish for 4 people, ready in 40 minutes, easy to make, at a cost of €3.00 per person. The turkey marinates in lemon and spices before grilling, served with a raw cauliflower tabbouleh, tomatoes, cucumber and fresh herbs. The key to success is the marinating time for the meat and the resting time for the tabbouleh.

Tonight, lemon marinated turkey skewers with a fresh, herb packed cauliflower tabbouleh, light and full of flavor.

Turkey skewers with cauliflower tabbouleh
Total time
40 min
Difficulty
Easy
Cost per person
€3.00
Calories per person
580 kcalcalculated by Kiloach, your weight coach
Season
Summer, Spring

Turkey marinated in lemon turns tender and fragrant, then grills until lightly browned outside and juicy inside. The cauliflower tabbouleh swaps the usual bulgur for a crunchy, fresh base, brightened with parsley, mint and lemon juice. The whole dish stays light and flavorful without ever tasting bland.

This is a great weeknight dinner once warmer days arrive, spring or summer, whether you're cooking for two or the whole family if your kids enjoy fresh herbs. Mon Chou suggests it for evenings when you want something light and colorful, without giving up flavor or spending hours in the kitchen.

The ingredients

4 people

Butcher

  • Turkey cutlets 600 g

Fruits and vegetables

  • Lemons 2
  • Garlic 2 cloves
  • Cauliflower 1
  • Tomatoes 3
  • Cucumber 1
  • Red onion 1
  • Parsley 1 bunch
  • Mint 8 sprigs

Pantry

  • Dried oreganooften in the pantry 1 tsp
  • Sweet paprikaoften in the pantry 1 tsp
  • Olive oiloften in the pantry 5 tbsp
  • Saltoften in the pantry 1 pinch
  • Pepperoften in the pantry 1 pinch

The step by step recipe

  1. Cut the turkey into 3 cm cubes and toss with the juice of one lemon, the crushed garlic, oregano, paprika, 2 tablespoons of oil, salt and pepper.

    Don't marinate for more than 2 hours, the lemon will start to cook the meat.

  2. Grate or pulse the cauliflower in short bursts until it looks like couscous, then put it in a large bowl.

    A few short pulses are enough, otherwise you'll end up with a puree.

  3. Add diced tomato and cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, chopped parsley and mint, the juice of the other lemon, 3 tablespoons of oil, salt and pepper.

    Let it sit for 15 minutes, the cauliflower soaks up the dressing and softens.

  4. Thread the turkey onto wooden skewers that have been soaked in water.

    Soaked skewers won't burn during cooking.

  5. Cook the skewers in a grill pan or under the oven broiler, turning them as they cook. 12 min

    Don't pierce the meat, it stays juicy.

Our tips to get it right

  • Cut the turkey into even cubes, about 3 cm, so they all cook at the same rate on the skewer.
  • Drain the diced tomato and cucumber well before adding them to the cauliflower, otherwise the tabbouleh turns watery.
  • Salt the tabbouleh right before serving instead of during prep, the vegetables stay crunchier that way.

The variations

  • Swap the turkey for chicken, the marinade and cooking time stay the same.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace the turkey with halloumi cubes grilled directly on the skewers.
  • For kids, serve the grilled turkey plain alongside the tabbouleh instead of on a skewer, and pulse the cauliflower a bit finer.

What to serve it with

  • Warm pita bread
  • Garlic yogurt sauce
  • Cold lemon water

Storage

The cauliflower tabbouleh keeps for 2 days in the fridge in a sealed container, it actually tastes better the next day. Cooked turkey keeps for 2 days in the fridge and reheats gently in a skillet. This dish doesn't freeze well, raw cauliflower loses its crunch once thawed.

Questions about this dish

Can you make the cauliflower tabbouleh ahead of time?

Yes, prepare it up to a day ahead and keep it in the fridge in a sealed container. It actually tastes better, the cauliflower has more time to soak up the lemon dressing.

Can you cook the skewers in the oven instead of a grill pan?

Yes, place them under the oven broiler and flip the skewers halfway through. Keep the same cooking time, about 12 minutes, watching for color.

Do you have to food process the cauliflower, or can you grate it?

Both work well, grating gives a slightly coarser texture while a food processor gives finer crumbs. Just pulse it briefly so it doesn't turn into a puree.

Can you substitute the mint if you don't have any?

Yes, use more parsley instead, the flavor will be a bit less fresh but still good. Fresh cilantro also works if you like its stronger taste.

How long does it take to make turkey skewers with cauliflower tabbouleh?

Count 40 min in total, prep and cooking included. The recipe is rated “easy”.

How many calories are in turkey skewers with cauliflower tabbouleh?

About 580 kcal per serving, for a recipe meant for 4 people. Calories are calculated by Kiloach, your weight coach, the app that partners with Mon Chou.

How much does turkey skewers with cauliflower tabbouleh cost?

About €3.00 per serving, or €12.00 for 4 people, based on average supermarket prices.

What allergens does this recipe contain?

This recipe contains none of the major allergens tracked by Mon Chou. Always check the labels of the products you buy.

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