My Go-To Christmas Starter Every Year: Shrimp Verrines
What’s your plan for a stunning Christmas dinner starter? Here’s a recipe for shrimp verrines that’s been a hit with home cooks everywhere. Roll up your sleeves and let’s get started!
As the festive season approaches, it’s the perfect time to start planning your holiday menus. Whether you’re hosting or bringing a dish to share, these shrimp and fresh cheese verrines are a refreshing, crowd-pleasing option for your Christmas table.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 3 ripe avocados
- 45 medium-sized peeled shrimp
- 2 limes
- 150 g of fresh cheese (such as cream cheese or fromage frais)
- 5 cl of cream
- Fresh chives
How to Make Shrimp and Avocado Verrines
Step 1: Prepare the Avocado Layer
- Mash the flesh of 2 avocados with a fork and drizzle with the juice of half a lime.
- Spoon the mashed avocado evenly into 4 verrines, forming a layer about 2 cm thick.
Step 2: Add the Chopped Shrimp
- Dice 16 shrimp into small pieces (4 shrimp per verrine) and layer them over the mashed avocado.
- Reserve 16 whole shrimp for the final decoration.
Step 3: Prepare the Fresh Cheese Mixture
- Mash the fresh cheese with a fork and mix in finely chopped chives.
- Add a splash of cream (approximately 5 cl) to create a slightly smoother texture.
- Add a 2 cm layer of this cheese mixture to the verrines, saving some for the final layer.
Step 4: Prepare the Chunky Avocado and Shrimp Mixture
- Peel and dice the remaining avocado. Drizzle with the juice of half a lime.
- Mix the diced avocado with another 12 shrimp, cut into pieces.
- Divide this mixture evenly among the verrines, creating a 4 cm layer.
Step 5: Finish with the Final Layer
- Combine any leftover mashed avocado with the remaining fresh cheese mixture.
- Spread this over the top of the verrines to form the final layer.
Step 6: Decorate and Chill
- Garnish each verrine with 4 whole shrimp, a sprinkle of chopped chives, and a slice of lime.
- Chill in the refrigerator and serve cold, accompanied by a tangy lime mayo if desired.
A Starter That Impresses
These shrimp verrines are as beautiful as they are delicious. Perfectly layered with creamy avocado, tender shrimp, and fresh cheese, they’re guaranteed to make a splash at your Christmas feast.
Enjoy and happy holidays!