Spring is coming soon, at least I guess so! We change our menu and think about having “aperitif ” on the terrace. Tapas, those little dishes from Spain, sound perfect for that!
Here are 2 recipes:
Roasted bell pepper Salad
Ingredients for 8 :
- 3 red & yellow bell peppers
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Lemon juice ( or dry sherry vinegar)
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- Pinch of sugar
- Salt & pepper
- 1 tbsp of capers
- 8 small black olives
- Fresh marjoram or thyme
Preparation:
Preheat the broiler. Place the bell peppers on a broiler pan and cook under the hot broiler until the skins come black. Turn frequently.
Remove the roasted bell peppers and put them in a plastic bag: it will be easy to remove the skins. Let them cool.
Peel off the pepper skins with a knife or your fingers. Cut them in half and remove the stem, core and seeds. Then cut them into strips. Arrange them on a serving dish.
Combined the olive oil, sugar, garlic, lemon juice (or dry sherry vinegar), salt & pepper.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Garnish with capers, black olives and fresh herbs.
Serve at room temperature.
A very colorful dish…
(recipe from: Tapas, a classic collection of Spanish-style recipes, Parragon Publishing Book)
Thank you Anne-Sophie for lending me this wonderful book!
Spicy shrimp with turmeric and mustard seeds
- 2 pounds medium size raw shrimps
- 1/4 spoon turmeric
- 1/4 spoon chili powder
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons mustard seeds (black or yellow)
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt & pepper
Preparation:
Peel the shrimp, leave the tail fin intact. Place the shrimp in a bowl. Mix the turmeric and chili powder together, sprinkle over the shrimp, toss well with your hands ensuring all the shrimp is coated with the rub.
Heat the oil in a large skillet and, when very hot, add the mustard seeds and garlic. When the seeds start popping, add the shrimp and sauté over high heat for about three-four minutes until they change color. Don’t overcook the shrimps, otherwise they become “chewy”. Add the fresh chopped cilantro. Sprinkle with salt & pepper. Place in a serving dish and enjoy!
Easy and quickly done…