Avocado Nest with Seafood Filling and Saffron Sauce

Avocado Nest with Seafood Filling and Saffron Sauce Recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

The Avocado Nest with Seafood Filling and Saffron Sauce is a luxurious and visually stunning dish that combines the creamy texture of avocado with the delicate flavors of seafood, all brought together with a rich and aromatic saffron sauce. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests with a dish that is as beautiful as it is delicious. The combination of fresh seafood, creamy avocado, and the unique taste of saffron makes this dish a memorable culinary experience.

History

The concept of combining avocado with seafood has been a part of culinary traditions in coastal regions around the world for centuries. However, the addition of saffron sauce to this pairing is a more modern innovation that adds a Mediterranean flair to the dish. Saffron, known as the world's most expensive spice, has been used in cooking and traditional medicine for over 3,000 years. This recipe brings together these diverse elements to create a dish that is both contemporary and deeply rooted in culinary history.

Ingredients

1 qt (946 ml) of heavy cream
a large pinch of toasted and ground saffron threads
salt, as needed
freshly ground white pepper, as needed
2 lb and 4 oz (907 g) of peeled, deveined shrimp (36 to 40 count), cut into 0.5 inch pieces
2 lb and 4 oz (907 g) of scallops, cut into 0.5 inch pieces
1.5 oz (43 g) of dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and diced
1 tbsp of fresh chopped dill
0.5 cup of fresh lemon juice
12 california avocados (about 6 lb or 2.72 kg)
toasted white sesame seeds, as needed
toasted black sesame seeds, as needed
36 sprigs of flat leaf parsley or chervil

How to prepare

Reduce the cream by one quarter, which should take about 10 minutes. Stir in the saffron.
Lightly season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, then strain it.
Chill the mixture.
Mix the seafood with tomato and dill, and set it aside.
Just before serving, fold in 0.5 cup of lemon juice, or adjust to taste.
For each order, peel, halve, and seed 1 avocado.
Thinly slice each avocado half lengthwise, and brush the slices with lemon juice.
On a serving plate, arrange the avocado slices in a circle, overlapping them to form a nest.
Fill the avocado nest with 0.75 cup (5 oz (142 g)) of the seafood mixture.
Pour 0.25 cup of saffron sauce around the avocado nest.
Garnish with black and white sesame seeds and 3 sprigs of parsley.

Variations

For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk and use a mix of citrus juices to brighten the flavors. Vegetarians can replace the seafood with grilled vegetables or tofu for a plant-based alternative.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the best results for your Avocado Nest with Seafood Filling and Saffron Sauce, consider the following tips:

- Use ripe but firm avocados for easy slicing and a beautiful presentation.

- When reducing the cream for the saffron sauce, stir constantly to prevent burning.

- Chill the saffron sauce thoroughly before serving to enhance its flavor.

- Be careful not to overcook the seafood to keep it tender and juicy.

- Toasting the sesame seeds before garnishing adds an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is best served as a main course, accompanied by a light salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the cream and avocado. Consider a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon to complement the flavors of the seafood and saffron.

Cooking Techniques

The key techniques in this recipe include reducing cream to create a thick sauce, properly seasoning and cooking seafood to retain its tenderness, and artistically arranging avocado slices to form a nest. Mastering these techniques will ensure a dish that is both delicious and visually appealing.

Ingredient Substitutions

If saffron is unavailable or too costly, turmeric can be used as a substitute to achieve a similar color, though the flavor will be different. For those who do not consume dairy, almond or cashew cream can replace heavy cream in the sauce.

Make Ahead Tips

The saffron sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. The seafood mixture can also be prepared in advance and chilled. However, the avocados should be sliced and arranged just before serving to prevent browning.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Avocado Nest on a white plate to highlight the colors of the dish. Garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for an extra touch of elegance. A drizzle of olive oil around the plate can add a glossy finish.

Pairing Recommendations

A light, crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Riesling pairs beautifully with this dish, complementing the richness of the avocado and the delicate flavors of the seafood.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

It is best to consume this dish fresh. However, if necessary, store the seafood filling and saffron sauce separately in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat the seafood gently to avoid overcooking. The avocados and garnishes should be prepared fresh.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Given the ingredients, this dish is relatively high in calories, primarily due to the heavy cream and avocados. A single serving could range from 600 to 800 calories, depending on the exact portion size and the ratio of ingredients used.

Carbohydrates

This dish is relatively low in carbohydrates, with the primary source being the avocados. Avocados are known for their healthy fats but also contain some carbohydrates. The total carbohydrate content will largely depend on the size of the servings but expect a moderate amount primarily from the avocados and a minimal amount from the lemon juice and saffron sauce.

Fats

Avocados are a rich source of monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy fats. The heavy cream and seafood also contribute to the fat content of the dish, with the cream adding saturated fats and the seafood providing a mix of saturated and unsaturated fats. Overall, this dish is high in fats, but they are mostly the healthy kinds.

Proteins

The seafood filling is an excellent source of high-quality protein. Both shrimp and scallops are lean proteins that contribute to muscle growth and repair. This dish is an excellent way to incorporate a healthy dose of protein into your diet, making it not only delicious but also nutritious.

Vitamins and minerals

Avocados are a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals, including potassium, vitamin E, and various B vitamins. Seafood, particularly shrimp and scallops, provides selenium, zinc, and iodine. The combination of these ingredients makes the dish a good source of essential nutrients that support overall health.

Alergens

This recipe contains several common allergens, including shellfish (shrimp and scallops) and dairy (heavy cream). Individuals with allergies to these ingredients should avoid this dish or seek suitable substitutions.

Summary

The Avocado Nest with Seafood Filling and Saffron Sauce is a nutrient-dense dish that provides a good balance of proteins, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. While it is high in calories and contains potential allergens, it can be a delicious and nutritious part of a balanced diet.

Summary

The Avocado Nest with Seafood Filling and Saffron Sauce is a sophisticated and nutritious dish that combines the creamy texture of avocado with the delicate flavors of seafood, all enhanced by a rich saffron sauce. With its impressive presentation and depth of flavor, it is sure to delight any palate.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Avocado Nest with Seafood Filling and Saffron Sauce. It was a warm summer day, much like today, and I was visiting a friend who had just returned from a trip to Spain. She had brought back all sorts of goodies from her travels, and one of them was a cookbook filled with delicious recipes from the region.

As I flipped through the pages, one recipe in particular caught my eye - the Avocado Nest with Seafood Filling and Saffron Sauce. The combination of creamy avocado, savory seafood, and aromatic saffron sounded absolutely divine, and I knew I had to try it for myself.

My friend graciously shared the recipe with me, and I set out to recreate it in my own kitchen. I gathered all the ingredients I would need - ripe avocados, fresh seafood, saffron threads, and a few other key ingredients - and got to work.

The first step was to make the saffron sauce. I gently toasted the saffron threads in a dry skillet until they released their fragrant aroma, then added them to a pot with some white wine, chicken broth, and a touch of cream. I let the sauce simmer until it had reduced and thickened, then strained it to remove any bits of saffron.

Next, I prepared the seafood filling. I sautéed a mixture of shrimp, scallops, and crabmeat in a bit of butter, along with some garlic, shallots, and fresh herbs. Once the seafood was perfectly cooked, I set it aside to cool slightly while I prepared the avocados.

I carefully halved the avocados and removed the pits, then scooped out a bit of the flesh to create a nest for the seafood filling. I spooned the seafood mixture into each avocado half, mounding it high and topping it with a drizzle of the saffron sauce.

The finished dish was a work of art - the vibrant green avocado contrasting beautifully with the colorful seafood and golden saffron sauce. I couldn't wait to dig in and taste the fruits of my labor.

As I took my first bite, I was transported back to the sunny shores of Spain, where the flavors of the sea mingled with the earthy richness of the avocado and the delicate aroma of saffron. It was a taste sensation unlike anything I had ever experienced before, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my cooking repertoire.

Over the years, I have made this dish countless times for friends and family, always receiving rave reviews and requests for the recipe. I have tweaked it here and there, adding my own personal touches and adaptations, but the essence of the dish remains the same - a perfect balance of flavors and textures that never fails to impress.

As I sit here now, reminiscing about that fateful day when I first discovered the recipe for Avocado Nest with Seafood Filling and Saffron Sauce, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences and people that have shaped my culinary journey. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share that passion with others through the delicious dishes I create.

And so, as I continue to explore new recipes and techniques, I will always hold a special place in my heart for this particular dish - a true masterpiece that combines the best of land and sea in a symphony of flavors that is sure to delight the senses.