Greek Style Shrimp Scampi: Pan roasting is my favorite way to prepare dinner. Pan roasts that feature quick-cooking shrimp is even better! Onions and tomatoes roasted first, then shrimp added at the last minutes of cooking. The shrimp and veggies , served on a bed of orzo flavored with dill and garlic. Topped with crumbled goat cheese and more fresh dill.
The keys to this meal
If you look at the instructions for this meal it’s very simple. but one of the trickiest parts is not to overcook the orzo. Add 1 cup orzo to boiling water. Stirring occasionally, until al dente, 6–8 minutes. That means slightly undercooked, so around the five minute mark taste of the orzo, it should have a slight stiffness in the middle.
Reserve ¼ cup cooking water for the last step. Once the orzo is al dente drain well. Return orzo to pot and add chopped dill, remaining chopped garlic, and 2 tablespoon butter and salt to taste. Cover to keep warm off the heat.
WHAT MAKES GREEK FOOD SPECIAL
What makes Greek food unique? For me its the rich taste. Greece historically is a melting pot of cultures. Located between Europe, Asia and Africa, Greek food is full of fruits, cheeses, olive oil, wines, spices from around the region.
The main staple of Greek cuisine is olive oil. Used in almost all of their dishes. It is produced from the olive trees prominent throughout the region. Adds a distinctive taste of Greek food.
Why is olive oil so good for you
About 14% of the oil is saturated fat, 11% is polyunsaturated, like omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. The predominant fatty acid in olive oil with 73% is a monounsaturated fat called oleic acid. Studies suggest that oleic acid reduces inflammation and may even have beneficial effects on genes linked to cancer
Why is Greek food so diverse:
There is a great variety in Greek agriculture. That leads to Greek food having a variety of choices that makes it so good. The high diversification comes also from the great climate and rich local environment. This allowed for the Greek culture to develop different agricultural processes. Thus encouraging the local, very local, farming and a high diversification of ingredients and recipes.
Wine pairing
Pinot Noir
Body and Tannins: light, silky tannins, light-bodied
Pinot noir is a red wine grape variety of the species Vitis vinifera. The name may also refer to wines created predominantly from Pinot noir grapes. The name is derived from the French words for pine and black. The word pine alludes to the grape variety having tightly clustered, pine cone-shaped bunches of fruit.
Greek-Style Shrimp Pan Roast with Tomatoes & Herb Orzo
Equipment
- medium saucepan
- rimmed baking sheet
Ingredients
- 2 pieces feta cheese
- orzo use 1 cup
- 10 oz shrimp
- ¼ oz fresh dill
- 1 container grape tomatoes use half
- 1 medium red onion
- garlic use 2 large cloves
- butter
- kosher salt & pepper
- olive oil
Instructions
- Prep ingredients: Preheat oven to 450°F with a rack in the center. Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil. Cover and keep warm over low. Peel and finely chop
- 2 teaspoons garlic. Halve onion, then peel and thinly slice. Halve half of the grape tomatoes lengthwise (save rest for own use). Finely chop 1 tablespoon dill fronds and tender stems together, reserving a few fronds for garnish.
- Prep shrimp: Pat shrimp dry, then transfer to a medium bowl. Add 1 teaspoon of the chopped garlic, 1 tablespoon oil, and a generous pinch each of salt and pepper, tossing to coat shrimp. Set aside until step 5.
- Roast onions & tomatoes: On a rimmed baking sheet, toss onions, tomatoes, 2 tablespoons oil, and a generous pinch each of salt and pepper. Roast on center oven rack until tomatoes are jammy and onions are tender and lightly browned, 10–12 minutes.
- Cook & season orzo: Add 1 cup orzo to boiling water and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente, 6–8 minutes. Reserve ¼ cup cooking water for step 6, then drain orzo well. Return orzo to pot and add chopped dill, remaining chopped garlic, and 1 tablespoon butter. Cover to keep warm off the heat.
- Roast shrimp: Add shrimp to baking sheet with onions and tomatoes, making sure they have direct contact with baking sheet. Roast on center oven rack until shrimp are curled and firm, 5–7 minutes.
- Finish & serve: Add 2 tablespoons of the reserved cooking water to baking sheet with shrimp and stir to combine. Stir remaining cooking water into orzo to loosen. Serve herb orzo topped with shrimp pan roast. Crumble feta over top, then garnish with remaining dill fronds.
Video
Notes
Calories 770kcal, Fat 34.0g, Proteins 37.0g, Carbs 83.0g ALLERGENS
Milk, Wheat and Shellfish. May contain traces of other allergens. Packaged in a facility that packages gluten containing products.
