Inspired by Haitian cuisine, these crispy plantain cups filled with guacamole and shrimp are an explosion of flavors. An original and colorful appetizer that will bring an exotic and friendly atmosphere to your meals.
Preparation and Cooking
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Quantity: 4 servings (9 to 12 cups)
Ingredients
For the shrimp:
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12 medium shrimp (31/40 count), raw and peeled (with tails)
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2 cloves garlic, finely minced
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5 ml (1 tsp) smoked paprika
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5 ml (1 tsp) cayenne pepper
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Salt and pepper to taste
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45 ml (3 tbsp) olive oil
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½ lemon (juice)
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5 ml (1 tsp) lemon zest
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45 ml (3 tbsp) fresh chopped parsley
For the plantain cups:
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3 green plantains
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2 liters (8 cups) vegetable oil (for frying)
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200 ml (¾ cup + 4 tsp) water
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1 lemon (juice)
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10 ml (2 tsp) salt
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10 ml (2 tsp) all-purpose seasoning (Adobo GOYA type) (optional)
To serve:
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1 recipe guacamole (see recipe on page 199)
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5 or 6 cherry tomatoes, halved
Shrimp Preparation
In a bowl, mix the shrimp with garlic, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and brown for 2 minutes on each side.
Then, add the juice of half a lemon and lemon zest. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and set aside, keeping warm.
Plantain Cup Preparation
Peel the plantains and cut each plantain into three or four pieces about 6 cm (2 inches) long.
In a deep fryer or large saucepan, heat the vegetable oil to 180 °C (350 °F). If using a saucepan, carefully monitor the cooking to prevent the oil from overheating and catching fire.
Fry a few pieces of plantain at a time for 3 to 5 minutes, until golden brown. Drain them on paper towels.
To form the cups, use a lemon press or two oiled small bowls. Press the plantain pieces to shape them into cups.
In another bowl, mix the water with lemon juice, salt, and seasonings until the salt is dissolved.
Dip the plantain cups into this lemon juice mixture for a few seconds, then fry them a second time until they are golden and crispy. Drain them again on paper towels.
Assembly and Serving
Fill each plantain cup with guacamole. Then top them with shrimp and halved cherry tomatoes.
There you have it, your crispy plantain cups filled with guacamole and shrimp are ready to be enjoyed! These Creole flavors will transport your taste buds.
Bon appétit!
