Shrimp and Chicken Fennel Sausage Lollipops

Executive Chef Bernard Guillas of the Marine Room shares a healthier menu alternative.

Asian Shrimp and Chicken Fennel Sausage Lollipops With Saffron Artichoke Aioli

Ingredients

  • 16 large Baja shrimp with tail on; shelled, peeled and deveined
  • 3 chicken fennel sausages, cut into one-inch-thick slices
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried orange peel
  • 1/2 teaspoon anise seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon grass powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions
Combine all dry ingredients in mortar. Grind with pestle until anise seeds are ground and evenly incorporated. Wrap shrimp around sausage. Create lollipop by skewering shrimp through tail, sausage and back through shrimp with a 6-inch bamboo skewer. Sprinkle both sides evenly with ground spice mixture. Pour olive oil in large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Sear lollipop one minute per side or until opaque. Season to taste with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.

Saffron Artichoke Aioli Ingredients

  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
  • 3 cloves garlic, smashed
  • Pinch of saffron powder
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 6 marinated artichoke bottoms, drained, finely diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, roasted, peeled, seeded, diced
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper

Directions
Combine egg yolk, mustard, vinegar, garlic, saffron powder and lemon juice in mixing bowl. Whisk well to blend. Slowly add olive oil pouring in thin stream. Fold in artichoke bottoms and roasted bell peppers. Season to taste with freshly ground black pepper and cayenne pepper. Place aioli in serving bowl.

Presentation
Place bowl of aioli in center of serving platter. Arrange lollipops around aioli to form flower. Serve hot. Garnish with a bouquet of fresh garden herbs.

Serves 16.

Find more healthy recipes.

For More Information
To learn more about Sharp's nutrition services or to find a Sharp-affiliated physician, search for San Diego doctors or call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277), Monday through Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. To find general information about nutrition, read the Nutrition News archive.