Ha..I managed to come back here before the long weekend..:)..Its the funky time of the year..summer,vacations,kids at home,guests n friend pouring in,grills,picnic's,barbecue’s,parties n what not..All this in one way or the other brings out the most common factor for which we all ,look forward to n that is food..!..good ,yummy ,finger licking food to share the joyous moments..right??..:)..So I am here with a great starter today,which will make you crave for more n more..:)
I am kinda in n out of blogging these days,trying to slow down things a bit as I am seriously starting to get bored with the whole thing..mebe I had too much of it..I used to spend a huge chunk of my day time for this space n visiting n commenting..mebe that finally got over me..so I am trying to be easy right now,giving more time for sweet home,nature n books n thats why you miss my comments n frequent posts..n missing so many lovely events which I would have loved to participate in as well..But I seriously need to gear down..Still I wouldn't want you to forget me right? That’s why I peek in once-in-a-while,but try to come straight to business without beating around the bush.:p..Hope you wont mind this get-over period of mine..:)..n thanks to each n everyone of you for your visits n inspiring comments..:)
So what are your plans for the long weekend?enjoy the fireworks?enjoy at home with kids?..I know kids are having their hols’ right now,n so for most of you its gonna be a hectic yet gala time..Hope you all enjoy max..We are planning to do some gamble-shamble n spend some relaxing,soothing time outside in some resort..outa all the hectic office/home chores..so that's it n luckily no big cooking for few days..:D..I need a break from kitchen tooooo..:D
So for those who are looking for variety starters for their guest-welcoming big menu these days,here is a spicy shrimp stuffed mushrooms..:)..I was planning to make this since God-knows-when..saw a different stuffing on TV show long back,but kept on procrastinating it in n made it finally yesterday..There are many stuffing recipes out there in internet.I have taken tips from here n there n made the stuffing myself.Gave it an Indian twist..Remember seeing some amazing stuff in Soma’s page too..:)
I had a few mushrooms in hand n so made the filling according to that..So please go easy on the amount of ingredients..I am not quite sure of it,as I made a small portion only..some 9-12 mushrooms..We had this yummy starter with some chilled Sangria..It was an amazing combo..:)
What I did:
Take the whole mushrooms n remove the stem,by holding it n rotating slightly..It’l lsnap n come off if fresh..Tricky..:P..Chop the stems n keep aside.
I just toasted the mushroom caps on stove top,sprayed with some butter flavored cooking spray,till most of the liquid is evaporated n they are slightly brown.Toast with caps up for some time n then with caps down.Sprinkle salt n fresh cracked pepper while roasting.Keep aside.
Now for the filling,heat EVOO/butter in a pan n add 1/3 cup of sliced onions n 2 cloves minced garlic.Saute till raw smell goes..
Add sliced chives,chopped mushroom stems, 1 tsp tomato paste n saute for a while.
Sprinkle salt,pepper n chilli pepper flakes.
Now add a tsp of chilli powder n 1/2 tsp Garam masala(cloves,cardamom,cinnamon,mace ,nutmeg).
Saute till raw smell goes.
Add 1/3 cup of small shrimp( I chopped up large raw white shrimp n added).n saute until its pink n mixed with the base.
Sprinkle parsley flakes n fresh chopped cilantro n switch off heat.
I then added 2 tsps of Ricotta cheese(you can add cream cheese n spinach as well),1 tsp mayonnaise n mix well.
Now take a bowl n add 2 tsp plain bread crumbs,2 tsp shredded Parmesan cheese,1 tsp rough ground almond,pepper powder n mix well.Drizzle some butter/EVOO n mix well to get a crumbled consistency.
Take the mushroom caps,fill with the filling,squeeze liberally some fresh lemon juice on top.. n top with the seasoned bread crumb mix.
Preheat oven to 425 F n roast the filled mushroom’s for 9-10 minutes,till the top is golden brown..
Yummy yet healthy starters are ready to serve with some ketchup/hot sauce..:)
Verdict: Great combo of mushrooms with creamy yet spicy shrimp mix..n that crunchy top was just yummyyy.Vegetarians can skip the shrimp part n play with some other ingredients like chopped spinach/artichoke hearts etc..We just forked each of it n popped into mouth.Burst of earthy flavors n cheese was too good..:)..Served hot from oven with chilled Sangria n that was one of the best starter ever..:)
All you guys have a great great time..k?..Have a blast..!
Hugs
