Best 2 East Meets West Guacamole Recipes

EAST MEETS WEST GUACAMOLE

Steps:

• In a medium-size bowl, mix the red onion, water chestnuts, garlic, cumin, chile oil, and minced cilantro. Close to the time you are going to serve, cut the avocados in half lengthwise around the pits. Twist the avocado halves in opposite directions, then scoop out the pits with a spoon and reserve. Scrape the avocado pulp from the skins and add it to the bowl, reserving the pits and peels. Roughly mash the avocado while mixing in the other ingredients, making a coarse, thick, and creamy mixture. Flavor with salt to taste and add the lime juice. Add the dried grated avocado seed if using, and return the pits and peels to the guacamole. Cover with a sheet of plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface of the mixture. The grated avocado seed and the whole seed. Place the avocado peel on top of the mixture. The seed and peel will keep the guacamole mixture from turning brown. Set aside for a few minutes to let the flavors blend. Remove the pits and peels and put the guacamole in a medium-size bowl. Garnish with cilantro sprigs and sliced green onions. Pita Crisps Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 1. Slice each pita bread into 8 wedges as you would cut a pie. Separate each wedge by pulling it apart gently. 2. In a small bowl, combine all the spices in the spice mix. 3. Spray each pita triangle with vegetable oil. Immediately sprinkle with spice mixture to coat lightly. 4. Transfer to a baking sheet with a Silpat baking mat or sheet of parchment. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to burn the spices or they will be bitter. 5. Drain the pita crisps on a paper towel and transfer to a platter. 6. Garnish the guacamole with the cilantro sprigs and green onions and serve with the guacamole.

EAST MEETS PORTUGAL 'ALENTEJANA' -- PORK AND CLAMS EAST MEETS WEST STYLE

Steps:

• Place the clams, salt and cornmeal in a bowl and completely cover with cold water. Let them soak and purge for 1 hour. Drain, rinse and set aside. In a hot saute pan, coat lightly with oil and saute half of the garlic and ginger. Add the zucchinis and caramelize, about 3 minutes. Remove from pan and add drained clams.
• Deglaze with half of the wine and shaoxing and cover. Add a little water if needed if clams do not fully open. Once clams are open, set aside. (discard any that do not open). Keep liquid. Wipe pan out and coat with oil on high heat. Season the pork brisket with salt and paprika and brown on all sides. Add onions and caramelize. Add black beans.
• Deglaze with remaining shaoxing and wine and reduce by 50 percent. Add chicken stock and half of the reserved clam juice. Check for seasoning and add more clam juice if necessary. Bring to a simmer and reduce by 60 percent. Check again for seasoning and add zucchinis and clams. Add lemon juice and whisk in butter. Check one more time for flavor. While the sauce is reducing, season the pork tenderloin with salt and pepper and sear in a hot, oiled pan. Brown well on all sides and finish in a 375 degree oven until medium, about 10 minutes.
• For the potatoes, heat the curry oil to 375 degrees and first blanch the potatoes until lightly brown. This can and should be done in advance. Right before serving, fry again, this time until golden brown, drain well, season with salt, and toss with cilantro. (frying it twice produces a very crisp product).
• PLATING Using an o-ring in the center of the plate, fill with the pork sauce. Top with fried potatoes. Cut each pork tenderloin into 3 equal pieces and surround ring. Pull ring off and serve.
• Make a paste with curry powder, water salt and slowly add oil. Let stand for 1 hour to settle. Use top, yellow oil for garnish or frying.