Shrimp Guacamole

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  • Did you know avocado is a fruit? The middle pit is a seed, which by definition makes it a fruit.
  • Avocados can vary in weight from 8 ounces to up to 3 pounds (!) depending upon the variety.
  • 95% of all avocados grown in the US are produced in California.
  • Avocados can provide unique health benefits due to their unusual fat composition.  Given the presence of the fat in avocados, the absorption of the fat soluble carotenoids, found in vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots and leafy greens, increases significantly.

Nutrient Profile:

  • An amazing array of phytonutrients
  • Alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid)
  • Oleic acid (a monounsaturated fatty acid)
  • Pantothenic acid
  • Dietary fiber
  • Vitamin K
  • Copper
  • Folate
  • Vitamin B6
  • Potassium
  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamin C

Health Benefits:

  • Anti-inflammatory benefits
  • Supports Cardiovascular Health
  • Anti-cancer benefits

Selection and Storage:

  • A ripe, ready-to-eat avocado is slightly soft but should have no dark sunken spots or cracks. 
  • A firm avocado will ripen in a paper bag or basket at room temperature within a few days.  
  • Avocados should not be refrigerated until they are ripe.  Once ripe, they can be kept refrigerated for up to a week.  

Health Concerns:

  • Avocados and Latex Allergy - Like bananas, kiwifruit and chestnuts, avocados contain enzymes that are associated with the latex-fruit allergy syndrome.
  • The Clean Fifteen - The EWG provides a list of produce least likely to hold pesticide residues on them.  Avocados were the cleanest with only 1% of avocado samples showing any detectable pesticides.

Here is a delicious recipe for you!

This is an adaptation of a recipe a graduate school friend shared with me years back. It is a delicious version of guacamole!

Ingredients

  • ¼ lb shrimp
  • 1-2 bottles of beer
  • 1 avocado
  • ¼ cup red onion, diced
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 lime, juice
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Red chili flakes (optional)

Preparation

Bring the beer to a boil in a pot.  Boil the shrimp until pink and tender (don’t overcook or they will get rubbery). Once cool, chop.

Mix the chopped shrimp, diced red onion, minced garlic, ½ of the lime juice, and the avocado, in a bowl. Don’t over mix, avocado chunks are delicious!  Taste.  Add the rest of the lime juice as needed, salt, pepper, and if desired, a pinch of the red chili flakes.  Enjoy!

I truly hope you enjoy this recipe and that it helps you live a healthier life.  I would absolutely love to hear from you, so please leave a comment below and let me know what you think.  If you enjoyed this post, share it with your friends and family.

Lots of love,

Judith

This year we have launched an exciting collaboration with Soul Food Salon.  Each week, we feature a delicious, seasonal, and nutritious ingredient.  We not only tell you a bit about it and all of the nutrition it represents, but also we provide you with a recipe so you can cook it at home.  Please share pictures of your meals on Instagram using the hashtag #SoulFoodSalon.  We can’t wait to learn and cook with you!