Cajun Shrimp Tacos with Tomatillo Salsa

Cajun shrimp tacos with Tomatillo Salsa are served with chili sour cream.

Yield: 6 servings; 8 large or 12 small tortillas; 3 3/4 cups Tomatillo Salsa

Ingredients

Chili Sour Cream

• 2 cups sour cream
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Shrimp

• 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
• 2 pounds uncooked medium shrimp, peeled, deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

Tacos

• 16 purchased taco shells
• 1 large bunch watercress, trimmed
• 2 avocados, peeled, pitted, cubed

Tomatillo Salsa

• 3/4 pound tomatillos, husks removed, rinsed, quartered (about 3 cups)
• 1/2 cup green apple (such as Granny Smith), unpeeled, coarsely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, coarsely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, coarsely chopped

Flour Tortillas

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (or 3 cups all-purpose and 1 cup whole wheat)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup olive or vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (or enough to make the dough the right consistency)

Instructions

Chili Sour Cream

1. In a medium bowl, whisk all ingredients to blend. Season with salt. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Chill.)

Shrimp

1. In a large bowl, combine chili powder and paprika. Add shrimp; toss to coat. Let stand for 5 minutes.
2. In heavy large skillet over high heat, heat the oil. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add shrimp; sauté until opaque in center, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a medium bowl.
4. Reheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Tacos

1. Arrange taco shells on heavy large baking sheet. Bake until hot, about 8 minutes.
2. Place shells in napkin-lined basket.
3. Arrange half of watercress on platter. Top with shrimp.
4. Chop remaining watercress. Place in small bowl.
5. Place sour cream, salsa, avocados and chopped watercress in separate bowls.

Tomatillo Salsa

1. In a food processor, finely chop tomatillos, apple, basil and mint. Transfer to small bowl. Season to taste with salt. (Can be prepared 6 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.)

Flour Tortillas

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, oil and half of the water. Mix together with your hands and continue adding water into the dough until it forms a solid ball, but is not too sticky. If necessary, add additional flour or water as needed.
2. On a floured board, knead the dough for 5 minutes. Cut the dough in half and then in half again, continuing the process until you have 8 equal portions. Roll each piece into a ball, place them on a lightly floured surface, and cover with a damp towel.
3. Heat a griddle or cast iron pan to medium heat. Roll out the dough, one piece at a time, to about 1/4 inch thickness. Place one round of dough on the griddle and cook on each side for about 30 seconds. Take care that the griddle is not too hot or the tortillas will scorch.
4. Continue the process with the remaining 7 portions of dough.

Attribution

Recipe and photo used with permission from: Sweet Basil Cooking School, Scottsdale, Arizona