Indian-Spiced Shrimp Kebabs with Peanut Coconut Pesto

Elevate your weeknight dinner routine with these Indian-flavoured kebabs that have a little sweet and a kick of spice. Our take on pesto blends peanuts, coriander and coconut for a dipping sauce that is big on flavour, and better for your budget.

  • Prep time: 20 minutes
  • Grilling time: 5 minutes
  • Makes: 4 to 8 skewers, plus 1 cup (250 mL) of pesto

Ingredients

Peanut Coconut Pesto

½ cup (125 mL) peanuts
2 tbsp (30 mL) unsweetened coconut
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tbsp (15 mL) ginger, coarsely chopped
1 cup (250 mL) corainder, tightly packed
½ cup (125 mL) peanut oil
1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
salt, to taste

Shrimp Skewers

1 lb (500 g) uncooked peeled jumbo shrimp (approx. 20-30)
2 tsp (10 mL) garam masala
1 tsp (5 mL) cumin seed
½ tsp (2 mL) salt, preferably kosher
¼ tsp (1 mL) cayenne pepper
16 pineapple pieces, bite-sized
4 large skewers, or 8 medium skewers

Directions

In a food processor, pulse peanuts, coconut, garlic and ginger until finely chopped, scraping down sides if needed. Add coriander and pulse until finely chopped. With the motor running, gradually add peanut oil then lemon juice until blended. Add salt to taste.

Oil grill and preheat barbecue to high heat. In a small bowl, stir garam masala with cumin seed, salt and cayenne. Pat shrimp dry and rub with marinade. Thread shrimp and pineapple onto skewers. Grill for 3 to 5 minutes, or until shrimp are pink in colour. Place about 2 tbsp (30 ml) pesto on each plate as a dipping sauce or spoon over the skewers.

Nutrition

Per ¼ recipe plus 2 tbsp (30 mL) of pesto: 310 calories, 21 g fat (3.5 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat), 170 mg cholesterol, 24 g protein, 6 g carbohydrate, 1 g fibre, 2 g sugars, 610 mg sodium.