Shrimp and Green Chile Grit Cakes with Green Chile Aioli

I love any reason to throw a party and tonight it's the Oscars. Here is a recipe perfect for your Oscar viewing party or any party! This appetizer may be my new favorite as it can be done mostly in advance and is super simple.

Shrimp and Green Chile Grit Cakes with Green Chile Aioli

recipe adapted from here

Green Chile Aioli

1-2 Tbsp. green chile

1 clove garlic

1/4 c. mayo

1 Tbsp. cilantro

2 Tbsp. lime juice

salt

pepper

Combine all ingredients in a food processor. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Green Chile Grit Cakes

1 c. cooked grits

1/8 c. chopped green chile

1/4 c. white cheddar cheese, shredded

1/4 tsp. salt

6 tsp. panko breadcrumbs

Combine grits, green chile, cheese and salt, stirring until cheese melts. Spray a mini muffin tin with non-stick spray. Pour 1/2 tsp. breadcrumbs in bottom of each muffin slot. Drop 1 Tbsp. of grits mixture on top of breadcrumbs, pressing down slightly to smooth top. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Shrimp

12 shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tsp. Sal Verde* (or sub salt and pepper)

1 Tbsp. olive oil

Toss shrimp in green salt (or salt and pepper). Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook shrimp in skillet until pink and opaque, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.

To assemble: Place a tiny dollop of green chile aioli on each grit cake and place shrimp on top. Enjoy!

*Sal Verde is a sea salt and herb seasoning my mom gave me as a gift from Hotel California, I have not been able to find it anywhere else