Shrimp and Mango Kebabs with Grilled Sweet Plantains

It's a tropical dinner tonight and it will definitely leave you wanting more...and more and more. This meal absolutely hits the spot. Rev up the grill on a warm night and enjoy this quick-to-prepare meal with a cold glass of white wine. You can make it when you need a healthy dinner fast or else whip it up with friends and spend a couple hours enjoying the weather as you munch away. Either way you are guaranteed a success with this menu.

I found this plenty filling on its own, but if you're looking to beef it up a bit more I'd suggest making some fresh rice and tossing it with cilantro, lime juice, and perhaps even a handful of your favorite nuts. It's not grill food, but it will pair nicely with the flavors and provides a bit of oomph. Of course, to get some added nutrition out of it, make sure to use brown rice rather than white.

Difficulty: medium-easy
Time: 20 minutes
Cost: $18.50



Shrimp and Mango Kebabs
Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 mangoes, cut into cubes
1 red onion, cut into chunks
2 limes

Get your grill heating to medium-high. Pull the tails off the shrimp and sprinkle the black pepper evenly over them. Toss to combine.

Thread the shrimp, mango, and red onion onto skewers, alternating as needed to use up all of the protein and produce.

Put the kebabs on the grill and grill for 2-3 minutes on each side or just until the shrimp are done. They should be pink but not overdone or they get rubbery.

Remove the kebabs from the grill and place on a large serving platter. Squeeze the limes over the kebabs before serving.

Servings: 3
Serving size: 1/3 lb shrimp plus mango and red onions
Nutrition: calories 305; carbs 40g; fat 3g; protein 31g; sodium 218mg; iron 21mg

Grilled Sweet Plantains
Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:
3 medium plantains
2 tbsp fake butter
1 tsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 limes

Get your grill pre-heating to medium-high. Cut your plantains in half lengthwise and then in half crosswise so you have 4 pieces for each plantain.

Melt the butter in a small dish. Add the brown sugar and black pepper. Stir until mixed well. Brush the entire mixture evenly on the flesh side of each of the 12 pieces of plantain.

Put the plantains on the grill, flesh side up. Grill for 6-7 minutes or until the peel starts to pull away from the flesh. Flip carefully and grill for another 3 minutes. Remove from the grill and squeeze the fresh lime juice over the plantains before immediately enjoying.

Servings: 6
Serving size: 2 pieces (half plantain)
Nutrition: calories 130; carbs 30g; fat 2g; protein 1g; sodium 32mg; iron 3mg