In this day of recycling and up-cycling and so much choice and variety, I’m always thinking of ways I can re-work classic dishes to be re-inspired. It’s a great option if you like to change things up in the kitchen and keep things spicy. I know I do, and re-working classic dishes keeps the comfort of the dish with a new twist that makes it seem new again!
For instance, guacamole is a classic dish enjoyed by many at any potluck or party. But if you’re looking for something new to dip in this snack than the typical tortilla chip, consider making a heartier appetizer and grilling some chili lime-marinated shrimp to scoop up the tasty dip. It’s a twist on both guacamole and a shrimp platter and adds more variety of flavours than the standard seafood sauce, too.
Our other recipe re-make is a Greek salad that’s layered in a beautiful array of colourful veggies rather than tossed all together, and topped with a creamier, yogurt-based dressing rather than the usual oil and vinegar fare used in classic Greek salad. It adds a different flavour and texture while still staying true to the original salad ingredients.
Both of these items would be perfect to take to your friend’s for a dinner party or to treat your family to at home some Saturday evening. Either way, we think those who eat it will be impressed with the exotic new twist on some classic dishes.
Guacamole Shrimp Taster
Ingredients
1 avocado, diced
1/4 red pepper, diced
1/4 green pepper, diced
1/4 red onion, diced
1/4 tsp. sambal oelek
2 squeezes of lime
3 stems of cilantro, roughly chopped
Shrimp
Salt and pepper to taste
12 peeled and deveined large, raw shrimp
1 tsp. chopped ginger
1 zest of lime
1/2 fresh red chili, chopped
2 tbsp. olive oil
Salt and pepper to season
Instructions
- Combine avocado, peppers, onions, sambal oelek, lime, cilantro, salt and pepper.
- Allow shrimp to marinate in ginger, chili, lime, and olive oil for at least 10 minutes.
- Grill shrimp on a barbecue set to medium heat, removing excess oil before placing on grill. Cook until shrimp is pink or coral in colour.
- Place avocado in middle of platter, fanning shrimp around it.
Greek Salad with Lemon Parsley Yogurt Dressing
Ingredients
1/2 red and green pepper, cut into triangles
1/3 English cucumber, sliced on an angle
3 sliced tomatoes
1/4 red onion, julienned
15 Kalamata olives
1/2 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
Dressing
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup buttermilk
1/2 block of feta, crumbled
1 clove of garlic, chopped
3 tbsp. parsley, chopped
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1 tbsp. local honey
Instructions
- Put chopped romaine on platter, place sliced tomato around the platter, then the cucumber on top of tomato.
- Toss the peppers and onions and place in the middle.
- Mix all of the dressing ingredients together and drizzle the dressing over the veggies.
- Serve and enjoy!
Images: Suat Eman / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
