Pistachio, Avocado, Sour Cherry & Black Sesame Dip with Prawns Recipe

It’s not often I have time to cook, but I do love and enjoy it very much. It all started with a shipment of artisan nut pastes I received from Marullo and from then on I was thinking of what I could make with them. This recipe was not planned I totally winged it with what ingredients were on hand, and it worked!

It’s a rich and buttery dip that’s ideal with pita, seafood, chicken or even great in wraps. It’s nutty and crunchy from the pistachio, creamy smooth from the avocado, sweet and tangy from the juicy bursts of cherries that pop in your mouth, and savoury at the same time. The trick is to be generous with the salt until it balances out the sweetness from the cherries. The dip is full of healthy fats, is quick and easy to make, and is also vegetarian, vegan and even gluten-free.

It’s a very simple recipe with unique ingredients and it plays amazingly well with prawns. Don’t even worry about getting BC Spot Prawns, because the dip is too heavy for them. It would be great with salmon or even halibut and if you like fruity guacamole, you’ll probably like this.

If you don’t have sour cherries you can use pomegranate seeds and replace the syrup with cranberry juice mixed with honey. I rarely use recipes so please use my measurements as an estimation and adjust everything to taste.

The Inspiration

Marullo 100% Sicilian Pistachio Paste from Italy…

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Pistachios…

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Pistachio, Avocado, Sour Cherry & Black Sesame Dip with Prawns Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 medium ripe avocado
• 2 tbsp Marullo 100% Sicilian pistachio paste
• 3 tbsp unsalted toasted pistachios
• 3 tbsp preserved sour red cherry
• 2 tbsp preserved sour red cherry syrup/juice
• Black sesame salt until desired (at least 1 tsp, be generous)
• Black sesame salt alternative: Toasted black sesame seeds + maldon salt + pepper

• 1 lbs shelled prawns
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 4 tbsp oil for frying
• Black sesame salt until desired

Directions

1. Toast and coarsely chop pistachios.

2. Mash avocado until smooth.

3. Add pistachio paste, chopped pistachios, sour red cherry syrup and whole sour red cherries. Mix until combined.

4. Add black sesame salt until desired. Don’t be afraid to be generous with the salt because it needs to balance out the sweetness.

5. Garnish with pistachios, sour cherries and black sesame seeds.

6. Coat pan with olive oil and heat on medium.

7. Mince garlic and add to pan.

8. Cook prawns for 2 minutes or until ready.

9. Season with black sesame salt.

Bon Appetit!

Of course there is always room for pistachio desserts – See Almond Breakfast Cake with Pear Filling with Pistachio Gelato Recipe and Pistachio & Cardamom Pastry Cream with Strawberry Tart Recipe.