A dynamic dish

When it comes to “primi piatti”, you usually get a bowl of pasta, rice or soup. Sometimes I find this kind of plating rather boring since there is a lack of motion on the dish. There isn’t much fun unless you add a component that will make your guests have fun while eating the dish. Some say “food enters through the eyes”; I say that food can be fun if you can make it dynamic by letting your guest “play” with it.

The following is a recipe I did last week using two different kinds of rice: basmati and wild. Combining the perfumed basmati rice with the nutty flavor of wild rice, gives good results in terms of contrasting  textures and aromas. I added some steamed shrimp to give substance to the dish. To give freshness, I added diced vegetables (zucchini and cherry tomatoes) and herbs (basil, mint and parsley). To add creaminess, I used soft goat cheese that pairs really well with shrimp (Have you ever tried the Greek recipe baked shrimp with Feta cheese?). Finally, I took the dripping juices from combining tomatoes, olive oil, lemon juice and herbs, and put them into shot glasses.

Ingredients:

–          1 ½ cup basmati rice

–          1 ½ cup wild rice

–          1 cup steamed shrimp and cut into pieces (leave some shrimp for garnish)

–          1 cup diced cherry tomatoes

–          1 ½ cup diced zucchini

–          Some herbs (basil, mint and parsley)

–          Spreadable goat cheese

–          1 garlic clove

–          Olive oil

–          Lemon juice

–          Salt to taste

–          Crushed green peppercorns

Method

1. Cook basmati and wild rice under package instructions.
2. Combine diced cherry tomatoes, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil and herbs (leave some for the rice) in a bowl. Set aside and leave for about 10 – 15 minutes. Strain the liquid and keep it. Discard garlic.
3. Using a pan, heat olive oil over medium-low heat and add diced zucchinis. Cook them until golden.
4. Combine rice, shrimp, vegetables, the rest of herbs, olive oil, and salt.

Plating

1. To plate the dish, put the rice mixture into a small bowl pressing down to firm it up and place it in the middle of a rectangular dish.
2. Make a quenelle of cheese and place it on one corner
3. Pour the liquid of tomato mixture into a small glass and place it on the other corner of the dish.
4. Garnish with some shrimp on top (optional)
5. Sprinkle with crushed green peppercorns.

…and have fun mixing all three items of the dish!!!