We keep on keeping on over here and some days we play the easy card. Doing that today with some spiced sautéed shrimp.
Easy does not however mean lack of flavor! Continuing in the Northern African tradition, shrimp borrow the flavors of Tunisia. When all was said and done- party in my mouth. Get ready to eat well.
First, let’s talk about Tunisia. Located on the northernmost tip of Africa, it’s cuisine and culture is heavily influenced both by the Mediterranean climate and agriculture and all the cultures and civilizations that have historically had a presence there, dating all the way back to the Phoenicians and Romans and most recently the French, their rule ending in 1956. Like most Mediterranean regions, the food revolves around olive oil, seafood and spices. However, one ingredient allows Tunisia to distinguish itself from the rest of the region: the chili pepper. Unlike other mildly spiced dishes found in the rest of North Africa, Tunisians pack a punch by adding harissa, a sauce made of red chili, garlic, salt, cumin, coriander, olive oil, and sometimes also caraway or mint. I didn’t make harissa tonight, but no doubt will on my culinary journey.
Anyway, I love the flavors of the Mediterranean, so I am all about this!
Spiced Sautéed Shrimp
Spiced Sautéed Shrimp borrow the flavors of the Mediterranean and Northern Africa for an easy, spicy, flavorful easy meal.
Ingredients
- 24 raw shrimp, shells off, tails on
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 TB olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 4 TB fresh chopped parsley
- 3 lemons, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Step 1 Place cleaned shrimp in a bowl – set aside.
- Step 2 Mix all the ingredients, apart from the lemon juice in a bowl and pour over the shrimp. Let marinate at least 20 minutes.
- Step 3 In a skillet with a tiny bit of oil, sauté the shrimp until they turn pink, about 4-5 minutes. Toss in the lemon juice and serve.
