Passion Fruit Shrimp Skewers

These skewers are a perfect appetizer or light main course, combining the sweetness and tang of passion fruit with the savory taste of shrimp.

Ingredients:

• For the Marinade:
  • 1/2 cup (125ml) fresh passion fruit juice (or substitute with 1/4 cup passion fruit juice concentrate + 1/4 cup water)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste for spicier)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Skewers:
  • 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, depending on preference)
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
  • 1 red onion, cut into wedges
  • 1 green bell pepper (optional), cut into chunks
  • 1 yellow bell pepper (optional), cut into chunks
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges (for garnish)
• Optional:
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the passion fruit juice, olive oil, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

2. Marinate the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.

3. Prepare the Skewers: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 10 minutes to prevent burning.

4. Assemble the Skewers: Thread the shrimp, bell pepper chunks, and onion wedges onto the skewers, alternating colors for visual appeal. You can also add other vegetables like zucchini or pineapple chunks, if desired.

5. Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the vegetables are slightly softened.

6. Serve: Brush the cooked skewers with any remaining marinade (optional) and garnish with lime wedges and chopped fresh herbs (cilantro and/or parsley), if using.

Tips:

• Use wooden skewers that are long enough to accommodate all the ingredients without crowding.
• If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the skewers in a grill pan or under a broiler for a similar result.
• Serve the skewers with your favorite dipping sauce, such as a simple lime aioli or a sweet and spicy chili sauce.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Enjoy these delicious and vibrant Passion Fruit Shrimp Skewers!