Vegetable Satay

Although usually made with strips of chicken or beef, this Indonesian-style satay can be made with fresh broccoli and cauliflower florets. Hot Madras curry has a bit of a kick; use regular curry powder if you just want the flavor of curry but not the heat. To save time, look for broccoli and cauliflower already cut into florets in the produce section or at the salad bar of your supermarket.

Recipe 1 dozen skewers; Active Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 2 1/2 hours (including marinating time)

INGREDIENTS

24 broccoli florets, (about 10 ounces)

24 cauliflower florets (about 10 ounces)

1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger, or ginger juice (see Note)

1 tablespoon smooth natural peanut butter

1 clove garlic, minced

1 teaspoon hot Madras curry powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

PREPARATION

Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil over high heat. Add broccoli and cauliflower; cook until tender-crisp, about 3 minutes. Drain; rinse under cool water.

Whisk soy sauce, vinegar, oil, ginger (or ginger juice), peanut butter, garlic, curry and salt in a large bowl until smooth. Add the florets; gently toss to coat. Let marinate at room temperature for at least 2 hours or cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day.

To serve, thread 2 broccoli and 2 cauliflower florets onto each skewer. (Reserve marinade.) Arrange the skewers on a platter in a single layer and drizzle with the marinade.

TIPS & NOTES

Make Ahead Tip: Prepare through Step 2, cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day. | Equipment: 12 skewers

Note: We use bottled ginger juice (pressed gingerroot) to add the taste of fresh ginger without the work of mincing or grating. Use it to flavor drinks, stir-fries, marinades or anywhere you'd use fresh ginger. Find it in specialty stores or online at gingerpeople.com.

NUTRITION

Per skewer: 33 calories; 2 g fat ( 0 g sat , 1 g mono ); 0 mg cholesterol; 3 g carbohydrates; 0 g added sugars; 2 g protein; 1 g fiber; 112 mg sodium; 156 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin C (60% daily value), Vitamin A (15% dv)

Carbohydrate Servings: 1/2

Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat

Nutrition Note: (for 2 skewers)