Mirlitons, also known as chayotes, are a versatile and delicious vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes. They are mild in flavor and have a slightly sweet taste. In this article, we will explore the delightful flavors of shrimp-stuffed mirlitons, a classic Cajun dish that combines the unique texture of mirlitons with the succulent taste of shrimp. We will provide step-by-step instructions for creating this delectable dish, along with additional variations and alternative recipes to satisfy your culinary curiosity. From the traditional Shrimp Stuffed Mirlitons to the innovative Shrimp and Crab Stuffed Mirlitons, each recipe promises a burst of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. So, put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and let's embark on a culinary journey to discover the wonders of shrimp-stuffed mirlitons.
Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!
SHRIMP-STUFFED MIRLITONS
The mirliton is a pale green squash with an end puckered up like a toothless granny. They are native to Louisiana, but if you grew up eating from certain Latin American culinary canons, you might know them as chayote. In New Orleans, mirliton stuffed with shrimp is a dish both common and fancy. The chef David Guas, who grew up in Louisiana and now runs the Bayou Bakery in Washington, D.C., ate this version at his Granny Lilly's holiday table in Amite, La. His recipe is a version of her original, but with a touch of heat from cayenne pepper as influenced by Justin Wilson, a relative who had a long-running cooking show on New Orleans public television that he punctuated with the tagline "I guaranteeeeee!" Use the freshest shrimp you can find. Something from the Gulf of Mexico would lend authenticity. And be careful scooping the flesh from the mirlitons. The skin is thin and can break easily.
Provided by Kim Severson
Categories dinner, lunch, main course
Time 1h30m
Yield 6 entree or 12 side dish servings
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Cut mirlitons in half and scoop out the large seed in the middle. Boil in salted water to cover for 25 minutes, or until tender when punctured with the tines of a fork. Be careful not to overcook.
- Drain and cool for 15 minutes, then scrape out insides into a colander to drain. Leave 1/4 inch of flesh inside shell, being careful not to puncture skin.
- Chop drained mirliton flesh and add to a medium bowl. Mix in butter, lemon juice, parsley, salt, pepper, cayenne, Worcestershire sauce and 1/2 cup bread crumbs; set aside.
- Heat oven to 375 degrees. Heat oil in a medium saucepan or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper and celery and sauté until almost translucent. Add garlic, green onion and tomatoes for just about 2 minutes. Add shrimp for 30 seconds to give them a touch of color. Quickly remove pan from heat and let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes to cool slightly. Fold sautéed ingredients into mirliton mixture.
- Scoop stuffing mixture into each mirliton half. Place mirliton in an oven-safe 1 1/2-inch deep pan. You may need two pans. Dust top of each mirliton evenly with remaining bread crumbs. Pour stock into pans to a half-inch depth, before covering and baking. Cover pans tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until tops are lightly browned.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 309, UnsaturatedFat 3 grams, Carbohydrate 59 grams, Fat 5 grams, Fiber 8 grams, Protein 14 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 1346 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams, TransFat 0 grams
SHRIMP STUFFED MIRLITONS (CHAYOTE OR VEGETABLE PEARS)
Make and share this Shrimp Stuffed Mirlitons (Chayote or Vegetable Pears) recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Molly53
Categories Cheese
Time 1h
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350F.
- Parboil mirlitons/chayote/vegetable pears until almost tender.
- Cut in half and scoop out the meat; mash and set aside, reserving shells.
- Saute onion and garlic in shortening until translucent; add celery and cook until tender.
- Add mashed mirlitons, shrimp, 1/2 of the cheese, and salt and pepper to the sauteed vegetables.
- Fill the reserved shells, cover with remaining cheese and bread crumbs.
- Bake until crumbs have browned, approximately 30 minutes.
MIRLITONS FARCIS AUX CREVETTES (CHAYOTES STUFFED WITH SHRIMP)
Provided by Craig Claiborne
Categories appetizer
Time 1h20m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Split chayotes lengthwise in half. Put in kettle of cold water and add salt to taste. Bring to boil and simmer about 10 minutes. Do not overcook or vegetables will become mushy. Drain and run briefly under cold water. Drain again.
- Using spoon or melon-ball cutter, scoop out flesh and seeds of each half, leaving shell of about eighth of an inch thick or slightly thicker. Set the shells aside. Chop flesh and seeds fine. There should be about one cup. Set aside.
- Peel and devein shrimp and chop coarsely. There should be about one and a quarter cups. Set aside.
- When ready to cook, preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- Heat half the butter in saucepan and add onion and garlic. Cook, stirring, until wilted. Sprinkle with flour and stir to distribute evenly. Add milk, stirring rapidly with wire whisk.
- When sauce is thickened and smooth, add chopped pulp. Bring to boil, stirring, and add ginger and scallions.
- Remove from heat and stir in egg yolk. Let stand to room temperature. Stir in shrimp, salt pepper, quarter cup of bread crumbs and parsley.
- Use mixture to stuff chayote halves. Pile up and smooth over.
- Blend remaining quarter cup of bread crumbs and cheese. Sprinkle tops with mixture, patting to help it adhere. Dot with remaining two tablespoons of butter.
- Arrange stuffed halves in a lightly buttered baking dish and place in oven. Bake 20 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 285, UnsaturatedFat 5 grams, Carbohydrate 23 grams, Fat 14 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 19 grams, SaturatedFat 8 grams, Sodium 845 milligrams, Sugar 7 grams, TransFat 0 grams
Tips:
- Choose Fresh Mirlitons: Select firm and heavy mirlitons with smooth, unblemished skin. Avoid those with soft spots or blemishes.
- Prepare Mirlitons Properly: Cut mirlitons in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and pulp, leaving a hollowed-out shell. Save the pulp for use in other dishes, such as soups or stews.
- Season the Shrimp Filling Generously: Use a combination of spices and herbs to flavor the shrimp filling, such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor.
- Stuff the Mirlitons Evenly: Divide the shrimp filling evenly among the mirliton shells, making sure not to overstuff them. Leave some space at the top for the filling to expand during baking.
- Bake Until Golden Brown: Bake the stuffed mirlitons in a preheated oven until the shrimp filling is cooked through and the mirliton shells are tender. The baking time may vary depending on the size of the mirlitons, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
- Garnish Before Serving: Before serving, garnish the stuffed mirlitons with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for an extra touch of flavor and color.
Conclusion:
Shrimp-stuffed mirlitons are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or side dish. With their unique flavor and texture, these stuffed vegetables are sure to impress your guests. Whether you're looking for a special occasion dish or a simple weeknight meal, shrimp-stuffed mirlitons are a great choice. So, grab some fresh mirlitons and give this recipe a try – you won't be disappointed!
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