Stuffed Cucumbers with Shrimp

Ingredients

• 4 medium-sized cucumbers 4 medium-sized cucumbers
• 250g (8.8 oz) shrimp, peeled and deveined 250g (8.8 oz) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
• Lime wedges, for serving Lime wedges, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 4g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Slice the cucumbers in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds to create a hollow cavity. Set aside.
2. 2.
   In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the shrimp to the pan and cook until they turn pink and opaque, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. 4.
   Sprinkle the cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper over the shrimp. Stir well to coat the shrimp evenly with the spices.
5. 5.
   Remove the pan from heat and let the shrimp mixture cool slightly.
6. 6.
   Once cooled, transfer the shrimp mixture to a food processor and pulse a few times until the shrimp is finely chopped.
7. 7.
   Spoon the shrimp mixture into the hollowed-out cucumbers, pressing gently to fill them completely.
8. 8.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.
9. 9.
   Serve the stuffed cucumbers with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Shrimp — Make sure to devein the shrimp properly before cooking to remove any grit or sand. You can also use pre-cooked shrimp if desired, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the shrimp mixture.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili powder or omit it altogether.
• Serve the stuffed cucumbers chilled for a refreshing summer appetizer.
• Experiment with different herbs such as dill or basil for a unique twist.
• These stuffed cucumbers can also be served as a light lunch or dinner alongside a fresh salad.

Serving advice

Serve the Stuffed Cucumbers with Shrimp as an appetizer or light meal. Arrange them on a platter and garnish with additional fresh herbs for an attractive presentation. Provide lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top, as the citrusy tang complements the flavors of the dish.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, consider arranging the stuffed cucumbers on a bed of lettuce leaves or a colorful vegetable medley. Drizzle a light dressing over the top for added flavor and visual appeal. Sprinkle some extra chopped herbs on the plate for a finishing touch.