Red Pepper and Shrimp Dip

I've just come from a reception for a new chef that featured some lovely finger foods, including red caviar and goat cheese on toast rounds and stuffed Brussels sprouts.

The finger foods that emerge from my own kitchen are always a bit more rustic, and I rarely plan for them. They happen organically and are made from whatever it is I have on hand at the time.

Recently, I scrambled together a dip that my palate was very enthusiastic about, especially the second day. I served it with toasted bagel chips (the photo above does not do it justice). It has enough of a kick so that it also pairs well with bland vegetables like celery and cauliflower.

Red Pepper Shrimp Dip
  • 8 ounces low fat cream cheese at room temperature
  • 3-4 roasted red peppers, from a jar
  • 1 small yellow onion
  • 1 can shrimp, drained
  • 1 teaspoon horseradish
  • 2 teaspoons aioli
  • 1 tablespoon low-fat mayonnaise
  • dash freshly-ground pepper
  • dash fleur de sel

Place the softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl. Use a blender or food processor to turn the red peppers into pulp. Add to the cream cheese and blend. Chop the onions, then the shrimp. Toss those into the dip and blend. To deepen and enhance the dip, add horseradish, aioli and mayonnaise. Add pepper and fleur de sel, using a hand blender to keep it smooth. Allow it to chill for an hour or two before serving.

You can certainly add more horseradish to punch up the flavor. I will next time. I often add a dash of lemon juice, but I am not sure I did this time.

Comments

Toni said…
Mimi - This looks like something I'd eat for dinner! I just made something with red peppers from a jar and was delighted to find them on sale. Must go back now for another jar!!
Unknown said…
I always keep them on hand, Toni - roasted red peppers, tuna, artichokes and garbanzo beans. Old habit, but a good one.

I just ate, but now I'm getting hungry again.
I'm imagining the horseradish and aioli combination in this -- I'd probably add a bit of something hot, too, like a few red pepper flakes. I always have either roasted red peppers or piquillo peppers, or both, in my pantry. They're so versatile.
Anonymous said…
It looks delicious, I'm going to try it, thanks for sharing! Why don't more people talk about the food?!
Unknown said…
I thought of red pepper flakes, Lydia, but I was afraid it would be too hot. Yes, I am a wimp.

Sorina, you may have to adjust things a bit - I don't think I ever make anything the same way twice. I will happily talk about food any time.
breadchick said…
Mimi, I made baguettes yesterday and was trying to figure out how to use the one I kept for myself and still keep on my post holiday eat healthy plan AND use up the roasted red peppers and cream cheese in my fridge AND have something that didn't taste like I was denying myself anything and here you give me the perfect thing!!
Unknown said…
I like when that happens, BC!

It is always fun to find a use for leftovers!
Charm and Grace said…
OK... You have tempted me beyond my ability to resist. I am seriously going to have to try this!

Heading to the store for roasted red peppers,

Christi
Charm & Grace Blog
Unknown said…
I hope you will like it, Christi! Please let me know.
lady jicky said…
That sounds really tasty Mimi. Do you think you could use fresh cooked prawns/shrimp?
Unknown said…
I think so, Lady Jicky. I certainly could have, had I been willing to make a run to the grocery store! But your would be fresher, I should think!
Stock the pantry right (actually I do have this all in the pantry tonight) and this can go together in a flash even if I hear it's tastier the 2nd day. Nice when things that this develop.
Unknown said…
I agree totally, Tanna!
Julie said…
This looks very good Mimi, seems like a really nice combination.
Lisa said…
That dip sounds delish! And easy—a plus. Tagging this to try soon...
Unknown said…
Thanks for dropping by, Julie and Lisa!
Jann said…
I could make an entire meal with this. I am having so much company this month, I think I mwill try this one!
Unknown said…
I can't get enough of red peppers, it seems. This was pretty good, Jann!

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