Provençal shrimp

Provencal Shrimp on a Bed of Aromatic Rice

Welcome to the delicious world of Provencal shrimp! This recipe is a true explosion of flavors, bringing together fresh seafood ingredients with the most enticing garden produce. Shrimp are an excellent source of protein and, combined with aromatic rice and rich sauce, will turn any meal into a memorable experience. Whether you're cooking for yourself or for guests, this dish is sure to impress.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil (or other preferred vegetable oil)
- 300 g long-grain rice
- A few strands of saffron
- 500 g shrimp (peeled or unpeeled, as preferred)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 anchovy fillets
- 1 hot pepper, chopped
- 5 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 1 can of chopped tomatoes (approx. 400 g)
- 3 stalks of celery, finely chopped
- 150 ml dry white wine
- Zest and juice of one orange
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Preparation Technique

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by preparing all the ingredients. Wash and finely chop the onion, celery, hot pepper, and garlic so they're ready when you start cooking. You can leave the shrimp whole or peel them, depending on your preference.

Step 2: Creating the aromatic sauce
In a large skillet, add the 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil and heat it over high heat. Add the onion, celery, hot pepper, and chopped garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and fragrant. This is the perfect moment to feel the enticing aromas filling your kitchen.

Step 3: Adding the wet ingredients
Once the vegetables are softened, add the chopped tomatoes, white wine, and chopped anchovy fillets. Add the zest and juice of the orange to give a touch of freshness and a pleasant contrast to the saltiness of the anchovy. Season with salt and pepper, but be careful with the salt, especially if you're using anchovies, which are already salty. Partially cover the skillet with a lid and let the sauce simmer over medium heat for about 12 minutes.

Step 4: Cooking the rice
Meanwhile, in another pot, add the long-grain rice and 3 measures of hot water (approximately 900 ml). Add the saffron strands to give a vibrant color and unmistakable aroma. Boil the rice for 10-15 minutes, or until the grains are soft but firm. Don't forget to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Adding the shrimp
After the sauce has simmered enough, add the well-washed shrimp. If you're using unpeeled shrimp, let them cook for 10 minutes; if they're peeled, 5 minutes is enough to cook them well. The shrimp will absorb all the delicious flavors from the sauce, becoming juicy and full of taste.

Step 6: Serving
Once the shrimp are ready, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the dish hot on a bed of aromatic rice, garnishing with fresh basil leaves for an extra touch of freshness. This recipe not only looks spectacular, but the taste is simply divine!

Practical Tips

1. Quality ingredients make the difference: Make sure to use fresh ingredients, especially the shrimp. They should be of high quality for the perfect taste.
2. Saffron: It is an expensive ingredient but adds a unique flavor. If you don't have it, you can use sweet paprika as a more affordable option, although the taste will be different.
3. Variations: You can add additional vegetables like zucchini or squash for added nutrition and color. You can also replace the shrimp with white fish or other seafood like calamari.
4. Serving: This dish pairs perfectly with a glass of white wine that will highlight the flavors of the dish. A fresh green salad can complete the meal.

Nutritional Benefits

Shrimp are an excellent source of quality protein, being low in calories and fat. They are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health. Rice, on the other hand, is a complex carbohydrate that will provide you with the necessary energy throughout the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, frozen shrimp are an excellent choice. Make sure to thaw them completely before adding them to the sauce.
- How can I make the recipe spicier? If you like spicy food, you can add more hot pepper or even a dash of hot sauce, like Sriracha, to the tomato sauce.
- What is the best way to store leftovers? The dish keeps well in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. I recommend reheating it on the stovetop to avoid drying out the shrimp.

I hope this recipe for Provencal shrimp on a bed of aromatic rice inspires you to cook and enjoy a delicious meal with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!