Shrimp & Avocado Cocktail

photo credit: sheilaz413 via photopin cc
photo credit: sheilaz413 via photopin cc

This fresh and tropical appetizer is easy to make and is ideal for entertaining.  Serve it in a martini glass or tumbler for a great presentation. 


As I child I remember ordering a shrimp and avocado cocktail when we went out to a restaurant , I thought it was so grown up and fancy.  This recipe is a little different from the cocktails of my country, Guatemala, as it uses fresh tomatoes making it a healthier option than those made with cocktail sauce using ketchup.

Ingredients

For Shrimp:
1 1/2 pounds jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon chipotle chile powder
½ tsp brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic salt
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

For Salsa:
2 large shallots
1 garlic clove
2 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander
½ pund of tomatillos
3-4 firm ripe Hass avocados
1 ½  tablespoon fresh lime juice

Preparation

Rinse the shrimp under cold running water, then blot them dry with paper towels.

In a bowl mix together the  chile powder, garlic salt, coriander, oregano, cumin, brown sugar and pepper. Add the shrimp and toss to coat. Stir in the olive oil. Let the shrimp marinate in the refrigerator, covered, for 30 minutes to 1 hour.  Place the marinated shrimp on the hot grill. They will be done after cooking 2 to 4 minutes per side.

Finely chop shallots and mince garlic. In a bowl toss shallots and garlic with coriander. Discard husks from tomatillos and rinse tomatillos under warm water to remove stickiness. Chop tomatillos and add to shallot mixture, tossing to combine.

Peel and pit avocados and cut into 3/4-inch pieces. Add avocados, lime juice, and salt and pepper to taste to tomatillo mixture, gently tossing until just combined.

Spoon salsa on the bottom of martini glasses and place warm shrimp on over the edge of the martini glass.

¡Buen Provecho!

Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz

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