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Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Jicama "Tacos" with Grilled Shrimp and Avocado

Several weeks back, during a lovely "girls' weekend" the conversation at one point turned, of course, to food (well, yes, we also discussed sex, sig others and body parts we hate, but this is a food blog people!).  My girlfriend was describing a recent food festival she'd attended and said that the most surprisingly delectable item she consumed was a shrimp taco with a jicama "taco shell".  I immediately thought, "What a wonderfully creative, Gundry-friendly dish!  I can make those."  I didn't get a lot of details from my girlfriend, but I thought avocado and a simple cilantro salsa would go perfectly with shrimp and jicama.   Here's what to do:

First, make the salsa:
1 jalapeno, seeded
1/2 onion, coarsely chopped
Small handful of cilantro
Juice of 1/2 lime
Sea salt
Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor and pulse until well mixed, but still lightly chunky.  Set aside.
Heat grill to high heat.  Next, toss shrimp, (preferrably wild caught) in extra-virgin olive oil, sea salt and chili powder.  Let marinate for a few minutes while you cut the jicama and avocado.  Slice the jicama thinly enough that it bends without snapping.  I found it was easiest to use a mandoline.  Also cut thin slices of avocado.
Thread shrimp on skewers leaving a little space in between each shrimp for even cooking.  Place directly over heat and grill, turning once, until just opaque, 3 or 4 minutes total.  Sprinkle with cilantro if desired.
To assemble the tacos, place jicama slices on a plate, top with shrimp, a slice of avocado and a spoonful of salsa.  Drizzle with a good-quality extra-virgin olive oil.
I served with a simple salad of romaine, radishes and a homemade caesar dressing (recipe below).
Caesar Dressing
1 hard-boiled egg
1 Tablespoon dijon
1 clove garlic
1 small cube parmesan cheese
Place all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until combined.  Drizzle in extra-virgin olive oil until desired consistency is achieved.  Season with sea salt to taste.  Thin with water if desired.

2 comments:

  1. looks delicious lady! can't wait to try it!

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  2. This dressing is AMAZINGLY good! I added cracked black pepper too!

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