Avocado with Seafood

Avocado with Seafood Recipe from Cameroon - Ingredients include Lemon Juice, Mace, Mayonnaise, Shrimp, and Lettuce

Region / culture: Cameroon | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Avocado with Seafood is a refreshing and elegant dish that combines the creamy texture of avocado with the delicate flavors of seafood, dressed in a tangy lemon-mayonnaise sauce. This dish is perfect for summer gatherings, brunches, or as a light yet satisfying meal. The combination of ingredients not only offers a delightful taste experience but also provides a wealth of nutritional benefits.

History

The recipe for Avocado with Seafood has its roots in coastal cuisines where avocados and seafood are abundant. Over the years, it has evolved into a popular dish among food enthusiasts who appreciate the blend of flavors and textures. The use of lemon juice and mace in the dressing adds a unique twist, enhancing the overall taste of the seafood and avocado.

Ingredients

0.25 cup of lemon juice
0.5 tsp of mace
1 pt (473 ml) of mayonnaise
1 lb (454 g) of crab or lobster meat.
0.5 lb (227 g) of shrimp, cleaned and deveined.
2 to 3 heads of lettuce
fresh avocadoes, peeled and halved

How to prepare

In a 1 qt (946 ml) bowl, combine the lemon juice and mace. Stir slowly and gradually add the mayonnaise, spoon by spoon, until a consistent, thick mixture is achieved.
Mix the crab or lobster meat and shrimp together. Lightly marinate with a small amount of the dressing just before serving.
Arrange the lettuce leaves on plates to form cups.
Place the peeled avocado halves in the center of each cup.
Gently fill the cups with the seafood mixture blended with the dressing.

Variations

For a twist, try adding diced mango or pineapple for a sweet contrast or mix in some chopped cilantro for a fresh flavor. You can also substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the best flavor and presentation, use ripe but firm avocados. The lemon juice in the dressing will help prevent the avocado from browning. For the seafood, ensure it is fresh and properly cleaned. Gently mixing the seafood with the dressing will keep the delicate meat intact. Chilling the dish before serving can enhance its flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Avocado with Seafood chilled on a bed of lettuce leaves. Garnish with additional lemon wedges and a sprinkle of paprika or fresh herbs for added color and flavor.

Cooking Techniques

The key technique in this recipe is the gentle folding of the seafood into the dressing to maintain the integrity of the meat. Chilling the dish allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're not a fan of mayonnaise, try using avocado oil or Greek yogurt as a healthier dressing base. For the seafood, feel free to use any combination of cooked seafood such as scallops, crab, or even grilled fish.

Make Ahead Tips

The dressing can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Assemble the dish just before serving to ensure the avocado remains fresh and vibrant.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Avocado with Seafood in individual clear glass bowls to showcase the layers of ingredients. Top with a sprig of dill or parsley for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé, which complements the freshness of the seafood and avocado.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

It's best to enjoy this dish fresh. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. Due to the nature of the ingredients, reheating is not recommended.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Avocado with Seafood contains approximately 300-400 calories, depending on the size of the avocado and the type of mayonnaise used. This makes it a moderate-calorie dish suitable for a main course.

Carbohydrates

This dish is relatively low in carbohydrates, with the primary source being the avocado. A medium avocado contains about 12 grams of carbohydrates, most of which are fiber. The lemon juice and lettuce add minimal carbohydrates, making this dish suitable for low-carb diets.

Fats

Avocados are rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, particularly oleic acid, which is beneficial for heart health. The mayonnaise adds saturated fats, so using a light or olive oil-based mayonnaise can be a healthier option. The seafood, especially if using crab or lobster, contributes minimal fat.

Proteins

Seafood is an excellent source of high-quality protein. Shrimp and crab meat are particularly lean, with a 3.5-ounce serving of shrimp providing about 24 grams of protein. This dish is a great way to incorporate lean protein into your diet.

Vitamins and minerals

Avocados are a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals, including potassium, vitamin E, and various B vitamins. Seafood provides essential nutrients such as iodine, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Together, this dish supports overall health and well-being.

Alergens

The primary allergens in this dish are shellfish and eggs (found in mayonnaise). Individuals with allergies to these ingredients should avoid this dish or find suitable substitutions.

Summary

Overall, Avocado with Seafood is a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of healthy fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is relatively low in carbohydrates and calories, making it a great option for those mindful of their intake.

Summary

Avocado with Seafood is a delightful and nutritious dish that combines the creamy texture of avocado with the fresh flavors of seafood. It's versatile, easy to prepare, and perfect for a variety of occasions. With its balance of healthy fats, proteins, and essential nutrients, it's a dish that not only tastes great but also contributes to a healthy diet.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Avocado with Seafood. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her seaside home. Maria was a wonderful cook and always seemed to have a new and exciting recipe up her sleeve.

As we sat in her cozy kitchen, she pulled out a ripe avocado and began to slice it in half. She carefully scooped out the flesh, leaving the shells intact. Then, she mixed together a medley of shrimp, crabmeat, and scallops in a bowl with fresh herbs and seasonings. Finally, she spooned the seafood mixture into the avocado halves, creating a beautiful and delicious dish.

I was captivated by the simplicity and elegance of the recipe. Maria explained that she had learned it from her grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. The combination of creamy avocado and savory seafood was a match made in heaven, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

After that day, I made it my mission to perfect the recipe for Avocado with Seafood. I experimented with different variations, adjusting the seasonings and seafood to suit my taste. I tried it with lobster, mussels, and even octopus, each time finding new and exciting ways to enhance the dish.

Over the years, I shared the recipe with friends and family, who all raved about its deliciousness. It became a staple at dinner parties and gatherings, a dish that never failed to impress. I was proud to have learned such a special recipe, one that had been passed down through the generations and brought joy to so many.

As I grew older, I realized that the true beauty of the recipe lay not just in its taste, but in the memories and traditions it held. Every time I made Avocado with Seafood, I thought of Maria and her grandmother, of sunny days by the sea and laughter in the kitchen. It was a connection to the past, a link to those who had come before me and shared their love of food and family.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, preparing the recipe for Avocado with Seafood, I am filled with a sense of gratitude and nostalgia. I remember the excitement and wonder I felt when I first saw Maria create this dish, and I am grateful for the opportunity to carry on the tradition. I know that one day, I will pass this recipe down to my own grandchildren, sharing with them the magic and joy of cooking and creating something special with love and care. And in that moment, as I take a bite of the creamy avocado and savory seafood, I am transported back to that warm summer day by the sea, where it all began.