Shrimp Saganaki for Beginners
Introduction
Shrimp Saganaki is a delightful Greek dish that features shrimp cooked in a rich tomato sauce with feta cheese. This recipe is designed for novice cooks, with simple steps and helpful shortcuts to make the process easy and enjoyable. Perfect for a family dinner, this dish is both flavorful and elegant.
A Little Story
Saganaki is a traditional Greek dish, often referring to a variety of dishes prepared in a small frying pan. Shrimp Saganaki is one of the most popular versions, known for its savory tomato sauce and creamy feta cheese. It’s typically served as a main course with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner and pairs wonderfully with a glass of white wine or a refreshing ouzo.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp Saganaki:
1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
1/4 cup dry white wine
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For Serving:
Crusty bread or toasted baguette slices
Lemon wedges
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
1. Season the shrimp: Season the shrimp with salt and pepper and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Tomato Sauce
2. Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Sauté the onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes, until it becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 2 minutes.
4. Add the tomatoes and wine: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the white wine. Stir to combine.
5. Season the sauce: Stir in the dried oregano and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Simmer the sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
7. Add the shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet, nestling them into the tomato sauce.
8. Cook the shrimp: Cook the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are pink and opaque.
Step 4: Finish the Dish
9. Add the feta: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the shrimp and tomato sauce.
10. Melt the cheese: Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the feta is slightly melted and creamy.
Step 5: Serve
11. Plate and garnish: Serve the Shrimp Saganaki hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
12. Serve with bread: Accompany the dish with crusty bread or toasted baguette slices to soak up the sauce. Add lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the shrimp.
Serving Tips
Presentation: Serve the Shrimp Saganaki directly from the skillet for a rustic, family-style presentation.
Accompaniments: Pair with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
Beverage Pairing: A glass of chilled white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, or a refreshing ouzo complements the flavors well.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 350
Protein: 25g
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 6g
Sodium: 800mg
Shortcut Tips
Pre-cooked shrimp: Use pre-cooked shrimp to save time on cooking.
Canned tomato sauce: Use a high-quality store-bought tomato sauce for convenience.
Pre-chopped vegetables: Buy pre-chopped onions and minced garlic to reduce prep time.
Final Thoughts
Shrimp Saganaki is a delicious and elegant dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. With these simple steps and helpful shortcuts, even beginner cooks can create a flavorful and impressive meal. Enjoy!
