Venezuelan Peppers with Shrimp

Venezuelan Peppers with Shrimp Recipe from France and Venezuela | Delicious Cuisine

Region / culture: France, Venezuela | Servings: This recipe serves 4.

Introduction

Venezuelan Peppers with Shrimp is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of red bell peppers with the savory taste of shrimp. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner when you want to impress your guests or family with a unique and tasty meal.

History

This recipe has its origins in Venezuelan cuisine, where peppers and shrimp are commonly used in many dishes. The combination of these two ingredients creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is both satisfying and delicious.

Ingredients

3 large eggplants, halved lengthwise
7 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, chopped
3 lb (1.36 kg) shrimp (16-20/lb)
3 cups spanish olive oil
4 large red bell peppers *
8 cloves garlic **
1 chili pepper, seeded and minced
1 loaf french bread, sliced 1 inch thick
1 feta cheese
1 tbsp chopped cilantro leaves
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley leaves

How to prepare

Seed and cut bell peppers into thin julienne strips.
Peel and cut garlic cloves into 0.25 inch chunks.
Slit the shrimp up the back with a sharp knife.
Remove the vein, but do not peel the shrimp. Set them aside.
In a deep heavy skillet or sauté pan, combine 2 cups of olive oil and the red pepper strips. Heat slowly.
Cook very gently until the peppers are extremely tender but not browned.
Pour the remaining oil into another skillet with the garlic pieces.
Stew the garlic slowly for 4 to 5 minutes, until tender and golden.
Scoop out the garlic with a strainer or slotted spoon and add it to the peppers.
Heat the garlic oil until it ripples.
Add the minced chili pepper and the shrimp to the skillet.
Sauté and toss the shrimp in the oil until they turn pink and are just done.
To serve, spoon the peppers and their oil into a serving dish. Surround with the shrimp.
Serve with bread. Each diner can soak slices of bread in the oil and pile it with peppers and garlic.
Feta cheese may be eaten with it, and the shrimp goes on top.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or onions for extra flavor.
Use different types of peppers for a unique twist.
Substitute the shrimp with chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the peppers and garlic slowly to bring out their natural sweetness and flavor.

- Do not overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery.

- Serve the dish with fresh bread to soak up the flavorful oil and juices.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Venezuelan Peppers with Shrimp with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the peppers and garlic slowly to bring out their flavors.

- Cook the shrimp quickly to prevent them from becoming tough.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use zucchini or squash instead of eggplant.

- Substitute goat cheese for feta cheese.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the peppers and garlic ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook the shrimp.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Venezuelan Peppers with Shrimp in a large serving dish with the shrimp arranged on top of the peppers. Garnish with chopped cilantro and parsley for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this dish contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Venezuelan Peppers with Shrimp contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

This dish is rich in healthy fats, with each serving providing around 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

With 30 grams of protein per serving, this dish is a great source of protein for a balanced meal.

Vitamins and minerals

Venezuelan Peppers with Shrimp is packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the bell peppers and garlic, as well as iron and zinc from the shrimp.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish (shrimp) and gluten (bread), so it may not be suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Overall, Venezuelan Peppers with Shrimp is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Venezuelan Peppers with Shrimp is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner. With a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying. Serve with fresh bread and enjoy the unique flavors of Venezuelan cuisine.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the first time I saw this recipe for Venezuelan Peppers with Shrimp. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. Maria was a fantastic cook, and she always had something delicious simmering on the stove. On this particular day, she had a large pot of peppers stuffed with shrimp and rice, and the aroma that filled the air was simply intoxicating.

As I watched Maria work her magic in the kitchen, I couldn't help but ask her for the recipe. She smiled warmly and told me that this dish was a family recipe that had been passed down through generations. She graciously agreed to teach me how to make it, and we spent the afternoon cooking together, laughing and sharing stories.

Maria explained that the key to making the perfect Venezuelan Peppers with Shrimp was to use fresh ingredients and to season them just right. She showed me how to carefully clean and devein the shrimp, how to cook the rice to the perfect consistency, and how to stuff the peppers so that they were bursting with flavor.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, I couldn't believe how delicious it was. The peppers were tender and flavorful, the shrimp was perfectly cooked, and the rice added a wonderful texture to the dish. I knew that this recipe would become a favorite in my own kitchen, and I couldn't wait to share it with my family.

Over the years, I have made Maria's Venezuelan Peppers with Shrimp countless times, and each time I do, I am transported back to that sunny afternoon in her kitchen. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, and it has become a staple at gatherings and dinner parties. I have even made a few tweaks to the recipe, adding my own special touches to make it truly my own.

One of my favorite memories of making this dish was the time my granddaughter, Emily, asked me to teach her how to make it. She had always been curious about my cooking and had eagerly watched me in the kitchen as I whipped up delicious meals. I was overjoyed to share this recipe with her and to pass down a piece of my culinary heritage.

As Emily and I worked side by side in the kitchen, I watched as she carefully cleaned the shrimp, seasoned the rice, and stuffed the peppers with a practiced hand. I could see the same passion for cooking in her eyes that I had felt when I first learned this recipe from Maria all those years ago.

When we sat down to enjoy our meal, I could see the pride in Emily's eyes as she took her first bite of the Venezuelan Peppers with Shrimp. She had done an excellent job, and the dish was absolutely delicious. It was a special moment for me, knowing that I had passed down a recipe that had brought me so much joy and satisfaction over the years.

As I look back on that day with Maria and think about all the times I have made Venezuelan Peppers with Shrimp since then, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of cooking. Food has a way of bringing people together, of creating memories and traditions that can be cherished for a lifetime. I am so grateful to have learned this recipe and to have had the opportunity to share it with those I love.

So, the next time you find yourself in the kitchen, looking for a new recipe to try, why not give Venezuelan Peppers with Shrimp a chance? I promise you won't be disappointed. And who knows, maybe one day you'll be passing down this recipe to your own loved ones, creating new memories and traditions along the way. Happy cooking!