Cajun shrimp cocktail - but a dip!

Originally I developed this recipe for the Nando’s grocery team, to highlight the many ways you can use their delicious Perinaise. Since then I have made it a few times for myself because it is just to easy, and so more-ish I feel myself craving it often! I might make it again for New Year’s celebrations. I’m sure some of us are planning celebrations of some kind… And even if the celebration is eating a whole bowl of this dip on your own, that’s ok too.

I didn’t at first realize that it really is shrimp cocktail (or prawn cocktail) in a different format. But I suppose it is, if you get down to the bare bones of it. I actually prefer it this way because it is just so much more casual, and not quite so dated- you know how everyone secretly loves shrimp cocktail, but don’t really want to admit it (80’s dinner party anyone)? We don’t want that…

The Cajun flavor comes from the paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme and of course the shrimp. A spicy combo paying homage to the Cajun people of New Orleans: the early French settlers used what they could get from their land - indeed a rich bounty :)

Jazz this up with whatever you like - chopped bell peppers, celery chopped finely, dried dill weed, pickles, whatever you want- no recipe should ever be made the same way twice.

DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: Ridiculously easy

PREPARATION TIME: 15 mins, max

SERVINGS: 12

INGREDIENTS:

1 Lb peeled, cooked shrimp

1/3 Cup Nando’s Perinaise (or any spicy mayo)

3 Tsp Nando’s PERi-PERi rub (can be subbed for 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, one tsp garlic powder)

1 Tsp paprika

1 Tsp dried oregano

1 Tsp dried thyme

1/2 Cup green onions, thin slices (1 w oz)

Ritz crackers for serving (3 crackers per serving)

DIRECTIONS

Thaw and roughly chop the shrimp. Thinly slice the green onions.

Mix all the ingredients together  just before serving and enjoy with Ritz crackers.