Hello, lovely readers!
Today, I’m excited to share a delightful Mediterranean dish that’s quickly become a favorite in our household: Sizzling Shrimp Saganaki with Fresh Herbs and Feta. This recipe is not only bursting with vibrant flavors but also a feast for the eyes with its gorgeous colors. Plus, it’s perfect for a quick yet impressive weeknight dinner.
First off, let’s talk about shrimp. I still remember the first time I prepared shrimp for the kids. Edward was fascinated by their funny shape, Alexander insisted on calling them “sea bugs,” and little Barnaby, well, he just gobbled them up without a care in the world. Phillipa is too young to voice her opinion just yet, but I’m sure she’ll join in the fun soon enough!
What makes this dish special is its simplicity and the rich flavors that come together effortlessly. The combination of juicy shrimp, tangy tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and creamy feta cheese is truly unbeatable. If you’re new to Mediterranean cuisine, this is a great place to start.
To begin, you’ll want to gather all your ingredients – this saves time and makes the cooking process smoother. I always recommend getting everything prepped beforehand, especially when cooking with little ones running around. Trust me, it helps!
Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F) and heating some good quality olive oil in an oven-proof skillet. The smell of onions sizzling in olive oil brings everyone into the kitchen, noses twitching with anticipation. Cook the chopped onions until they’re translucent, and then it’s time to add in the garlic and diced red bell pepper. This adds a wonderful sweetness and a pop of color to the dish.
Next, pour in the chopped tomatoes and dry white wine. This is when your kitchen starts smelling like a seaside taverna! I love the slight acidity the wine brings, balancing the sweetness of the tomatoes and bell peppers. Add in those crushed red pepper flakes, dried oregano, and thyme – these herbs give the dish its characteristic Mediterranean flair.
Let the sauce simmer and thicken for about 10 minutes. This is usually when the boys and I will set the table. Alexander loves to place the forks and knives while Edward ensures everyone has a napkin. Barnaby… well, he mostly likes to pull at the tablecloth, but we’re getting there!
Once your sauce is ready, nestle the peeled and deveined shrimp into it. Make sure they’re evenly spread out so they cook evenly. Then, crumble that delicious feta cheese on top. Feta melts into the sauce slightly but still retains its shape, adding a lovely saltiness and creaminess to every bite.
Pop the skillet into your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. This is just enough time to clean up a bit and gather everyone around the table. When you pull the skillet out, you’ll have beautifully cooked shrimp nestled in a savory, herby tomato sauce, topped with golden, melty feta. Divine!
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness, and you’re ready to serve. I love pairing this dish with crusty bread to mop up that incredible sauce – it’s a must!
So, there you have it, Sizzling Shrimp Saganaki with Fresh Herbs and Feta. It’s a dish that’s sure to impress and become a staple in your home, just like it has in ours. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a busy weeknight, this recipe is a winner.
Happy cooking, friends, and let me know how it turns out for you and your family!
Cheers,
Al
Ingredients
– 500g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 400g can of chopped tomatoes
– 100ml dry white wine
– 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 150g feta cheese, crumbled
– Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Crusty bread for serving (optional)
Method
1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, until it turns translucent.
4. Add the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper. Cook for an additional 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Pour in the chopped tomatoes, dry white wine, crushed red pepper flakes, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Stir well to combine.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
7. Nestle the peeled and deveined shrimp into the sauce, making sure they are evenly distributed.
8. Crumble the feta cheese over the top of the shrimp and sauce.
9. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through and the feta is slightly golden.
10. Remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
11. Serve immediately with crusty bread, if desired.
