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

Ingredients for 4:

• 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…