By now, most of us have at least heard of the term “superfood.” These amazing foods have quantities of vital nutrients, minerals and antioxidants that can be hard to find elsewhere in such concentrated amounts. In addition, many of these foods are found in faraway regions of the earth and may parish before reaching our shelves. Enter superfood powders! These dried powders are extremely versatile and easy to add to any diet. Here, shrimp tostadas use Turmeric, from the ginger family, Acai powder, Baobab powder, Lucuma powder and dried goji berries. Turmeric and Acai are probably familiar to most, but Baobab, Lucuma and Goji berries may be new to some. Baobab trees grow in arid parts of Madagascar, Africa and Australia. The fruit of these trees contain seeds that are dried and made into powder. It has a mild citrus flavor that is extremely versatile for adding to dressings, marinades, smoothies, or stirring into oatmeal and yogurt. Lucuma is an interesting fruit that is similar in appearance and texture to an avocado, but is orange inside has a mild, sweet maple flavor that works well in baked goods or as a substitute sweetener. Finally, dried goji berries have a delightfully sweet flavor and can be ground into a powder using a food processor or coffee bean grinder. They add a sweet component to the spicy rub used for the shrimp in this case, but left whole, goji berries are a colorful, delicious addition to baked goods and an easy garnish for salads and parfaits. All of these health boosting powders can be found at most natural or organic foods stores and many grocery stores.
Ingredients
- SLAW DRESSING
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon honey (or 3/4 tablespoons agave nectar)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 teaspoons baobab powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh jalapeño, minced (optional)
- ¾ cup celery, julienned (cut into match size sticks)
- ¾ cup jicama, julienned
- TOSTADA SEASONING
- ½ teaspoon lucuma powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon dried orange peel
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric, ground
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tostadas
- DRY RUB FOR SHRIMP
- 3 tablespoons goji berries, ground
- 1 ½ teaspoons acai powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons turmeric, ground
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¾ teaspoon pink Himalayan salt (sea salt is fine)
- ½ teaspoon dried orange peel
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne
- ½ pound jumbo shrimp (8-12 per pound), peeled and deveined with tails remaining (optional)
- 1 avocado, halved
- Lime juice
- Salt
- Extra limes and cilantro for serving
- High heat neutral tasting oil, like canola
Directions
- Combine first 9 ingredients (if using jalapeño) in a medium bowl to combine. Add jicama and celery to the dressing, tossing to coat completely. Set in fridge to let the flavors develop.
- Combine the 6 Tostada seasonings in a small bowl. Using a brush or spray, lightly cover tostadas with oil and sprinkle seasoning evenly over surface with fingers or using a fine mesh sieve. Let sit to dry while preparing the remaining ingredients.
- Combine the 7 shrimp rub ingredients in a large bowl. Pat shrimp dry and gently toss in dry rub, evenly coating.
- Preheat grill burner to medium.
- Carefully thread shrimp onto skewers.
- Slice avocado in half and carefully remove pit. Squeeze lime juice over and sprinkle with coarse salt.
- Place shrimp skewers and avocado halves onto well-seasoned grill and close lid.
- Flip skewers after about 2 minutes and rotate avocados 90 degrees or a “quarter turn” to get those coveted grill marks.
- Grill for 1 more minute, or until shrimp are done and remove from grill.
- Place tostadas on grill seasoned side down and let crisp for about 30 seconds while removing the shrimp and avocado. Pay close attention - the tostadas will burn quickly and easily if left unattended for too long.
- Slice avocado thinly and arrange in a pinwheel pattern on tostadas. Layer slaw and 2-3 shrimp on top. Garnish with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkling of fresh cilantro.
