Mardi Gras Shrimp Scampi

Mardi Gras Shrimp Scampi Recipe - A Delicious American Dish

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Mardi Gras Shrimp Scampi is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for celebrating the festive spirit of Mardi Gras. This dish features succulent shrimp cooked in a buttery garlic sauce with a medley of vegetables and seasonings, served over a bed of fettuccini pasta.

History

Shrimp scampi is a classic Italian-American dish that has been enjoyed for generations. The dish typically consists of shrimp cooked in a garlic butter sauce and served over pasta. This Mardi Gras version adds a festive twist with the addition of colorful bell peppers and Cajun seasoning.

Ingredients

60 large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail on)
4 oz (113 g) butter
10 mushrooms, sliced
2 bunches green onions, sliced
5 tbsp garlic
5 tomatoes, wedged
3 golden bell peppers, julienned
3 red bell peppers, julienned
0.5 cup lemon pepper seasoning
5 cup white wine
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cayenne pepper
2 tsp fresh chopped dill
10 tbsp frozen butter
5 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
30 oz (850 g) cooked fettuccini pasta

How to prepare

Place 4 oz (113 g) of butter in a heated sauté pan. Add shrimp, mushrooms, green onions, and garlic. Sauté until the shrimp begins to turn pink.
Add the tomatoes, peppers, lemon seasoning, salt, cayenne, and dill. Sauté for 1 minute on high heat, then add white wine and mix well.
Once the wine is heated, reduce the heat and add frozen butter and Parmesan cheese. Stir until well combined.
Gently fold in the pasta and serve immediately.

Variations

Substitute the shrimp with chicken or scallops for a different protein option.
Add in other vegetables such as zucchini, squash, or asparagus for added color and flavor.
Use different herbs and spices such as basil, oregano, or thyme to change up the flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to devein the shrimp before cooking to remove any grit or impurities.

- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor, especially when it comes to the garlic and herbs.

- Don't overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery. Cook just until they turn pink and opaque.

- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Mardi Gras Shrimp Scampi with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. Pair with a glass of white wine or a fruity cocktail to complement the flavors of the dish.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the shrimp and vegetables in a hot pan to quickly cook them and develop flavor.

- Deglaze the pan with white wine to add depth and complexity to the sauce.

- Toss the pasta in the sauce just before serving to ensure it is well coated and flavorful.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter option.

- Substitute the fettuccini pasta with spaghetti, linguine, or another type of pasta.

- Use vegetable broth or seafood stock instead of white wine for a non-alcoholic version.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.

- Cook the pasta al dente and rinse with cold water to prevent it from sticking together. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color. - Serve the Mardi Gras Shrimp Scampi in individual bowls or on a large platter for a family-style meal. - Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese before serving for added richness.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Mardi Gras Shrimp Scampi with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

- Serve with a side of garlic bread or a Caesar salad for a complete meal.

- Finish the meal with a sweet dessert such as beignets or king cake to celebrate Mardi Gras in style.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

- Add a splash of water or broth to the pasta when reheating to prevent it from drying out.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

450

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 45g

- Dietary Fiber: 4g

- Sugars: 5g

Fats

- Total Fat: 25g

- Saturated Fat: 14g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 30g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 20% DV

- Vitamin C: 80% DV

- Calcium: 15% DV

- Iron: 20% DV

Alergens

Contains shellfish (shrimp)

- Contains dairy (butter, Parmesan cheese)

Summary

Mardi Gras Shrimp Scampi is a rich and indulgent dish that is high in protein and fats. It is a great source of vitamins A and C, as well as iron and calcium. However, it is also high in calories and should be enjoyed in moderation.

Summary

Mardi Gras Shrimp Scampi is a festive and flavorful dish that is perfect for celebrating the spirit of Mardi Gras. With succulent shrimp, colorful vegetables, and a rich garlic butter sauce, this dish is sure to impress your guests. Serve with pasta and a side salad for a complete meal that is both delicious and satisfying. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Mardi Gras Shrimp Scampi. It was a hot summer day, and I was rummaging through an old recipe box that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I flipped through the yellowed index cards and tattered pages, my eyes landed on a faded piece of paper with the words "Mardi Gras Shrimp Scampi" scrawled across the top in elegant cursive.

I had never heard of this dish before, but the name alone intrigued me. I pictured a vibrant, festive meal with plump shrimp cooked in a rich, garlicky sauce. I knew I had to try it.

I sat down at the kitchen table with the recipe in hand and began to read through the ingredients and instructions. The list was simple enough: shrimp, garlic, butter, lemon, parsley, and a few other pantry staples. But it was the combination of flavors that really caught my attention. The recipe called for a generous amount of Cajun seasoning, which would give the dish a spicy kick that I knew would be perfect for a Mardi Gras celebration.

As I gathered the ingredients and started to cook, memories of my own childhood flooded back to me. I remembered watching my grandmother in the kitchen, her hands deftly chopping vegetables and stirring pots with a practiced ease. She had taught me so much about cooking over the years, passing down her own recipes and techniques with love and patience.

I thought about the different places and people she had learned from, the diverse influences that had shaped her culinary repertoire. She had grown up in Louisiana, where Mardi Gras was a beloved tradition that brought people together in celebration and feasting. It was there that she had first tasted shrimp scampi, a dish that had become a staple in her own kitchen.

As I sautéed the shrimp in a sizzling pan, the aroma of garlic and butter filled the air, transporting me back to those days in my grandmother's kitchen. I could almost hear her voice guiding me through the recipe, offering tips and tricks to ensure that the dish turned out perfectly. I remembered her telling me how important it was to cook with love and passion, to always put a piece of your heart into every meal you make.

Finally, the shrimp scampi was ready. I plated it up and took a bite, savoring the flavors that danced on my tongue. The dish was everything I had hoped for and more – spicy, savory, and bursting with the vibrant colors and flavors of Mardi Gras.

As I sat down to enjoy my meal, I couldn't help but smile. I knew that my grandmother would have been proud of me for trying something new, for embracing a new recipe and making it my own. And as I finished the last bite, I made a mental note to pass this recipe down to future generations, just as my grandmother had done for me.

In that moment, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the culinary legacy that had been handed down to me – a legacy that I would continue to honor and cherish for years to come. And as I cleared the dishes and washed the pots and pans, I knew that my grandmother's spirit would always be with me in the kitchen, guiding me as I cooked and creating new memories with each delicious meal I made.