Andros-Style Baked Shrimp with Tomato and Feta
Experience a taste of the Greek islands with this delightful Andros-style baked shrimp dish, where succulent shrimp meet a savory tomato sauce infused with aromatic herbs and spices. This modern Greek creation, often enjoyed in seaside taverns, combines the richness of feta cheese with the freshness of seasonal tomatoes and herbs, creating a delicious starter or light lunch that brings the essence of the Mediterranean to your table. Serve it piping hot in individual baked dishes, and don't forget the crusty bread for dipping into the scrumptious sauce, ensuring you savor every last bite. Ideal for summer gatherings or cozy dinners, this dish captures the heart and flavors of Greece while inviting guests to indulge in a memorable culinary experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
1/4 cup (For sautéing)
Onion
1/2 cup (Finely chopped)
Aleppo pepper or crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon or 1/2 teaspoon respectively (For seasoning)
Garlic
4 cloves (Minced)
Medium shrimp
1 1/2 lbs (Peeled and deveined, tails left on)
Diced tomatoes
1/2 cup (Finely diced and drained for 5 minutes)
Hard feta cheese
2/3 cup (Coarsely grated (see Note))
Cream
1/2 cup (Optional, to be stirred in before baking)
Fresh parsley
1/4 cup (Chopped)
Lemon juice
To taste (Freshly squeezed before serving)
Salt
To taste (For seasoning)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
3
Stir in the Aleppo pepper or crushed red pepper flakes and minced garlic, cooking for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
4
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet and sauté for 2 minutes, just until they begin to turn pink.
5
Incorporate the drained diced tomatoes and season with salt to taste. Allow the mixture to cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce starts to thicken slightly.
6
Carefully transfer the shrimp and sauce mixture to either a large baking dish or four individual gratin dishes, ensuring even distribution.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the shrimp are fully cooked.
8
Remove the dishes from the oven and sprinkle the coarsely grated feta cheese over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
9
Finally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving. Enjoy while hot.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Andros-Style Baked Shrimp?
It is a modern Greek seafood dish featuring succulent shrimp in a savory tomato sauce topped with melted feta cheese, inspired by the seaside taverns of Andros island.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
How much shrimp do I need?
This recipe requires 1 1/2 lbs of medium shrimp, peeled and deveined with the tails left on.
What kind of cheese is used?
The recipe calls for 2/3 cup of coarsely grated hard feta cheese.
How much olive oil is used for sautéing?
You will need 1/4 cup of olive oil for the initial sautéing of vegetables.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion for about 5 minutes until they become translucent.
What spice provides the heat in this dish?
You can use either 1 teaspoon of Aleppo pepper or 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
How long should the garlic be cooked?
Add the 4 cloves of minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
How long do the shrimp cook on the stove?
Sauté the shrimp for approximately 2 minutes, just until they begin to turn pink.
How are the tomatoes prepared for the sauce?
Use 1/2 cup of finely diced tomatoes that have been drained for 5 minutes.
When should salt be added to the recipe?
Season with salt to taste after the diced tomatoes have been added to the skillet.
Is there an optional ingredient I can add?
Yes, 1/2 cup of cream is an optional ingredient that can be stirred in before baking.
What is the initial baking time?
Bake the shrimp and sauce mixture in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
When is the feta cheese added to the dish?
The feta is sprinkled over the shrimp and sauce after the initial 10-minute bake is complete.
How long is the final bake with the cheese?
Return the dish to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
What fresh herb is used as a garnish?
The dish is finished with 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley.
When is the lemon juice added?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice should be added to taste just before serving.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
Serve it piping hot in individual baked gratin dishes or one large baking dish.
What should be served on the side?
It is recommended to serve the dish with crusty bread for dipping into the scrumptious sauce.
Is this a main meal or a starter?
This dish is versatile and can be served as a delicious starter or a light lunch.
What region of Greece inspired this recipe?
This dish captures the essence of the Mediterranean and specifically the flavors found on Andros island.
How many cloves of garlic are required?
The recipe calls for 4 cloves of minced garlic.
What size shrimp should I use?
Medium-sized shrimp are specified for this Andros-style recipe.
How do I know the sauce is ready for the oven?
Cook the tomato and shrimp mixture until the sauce starts to thicken slightly before transferring to baking dishes.
Can I use red pepper flakes instead of Aleppo pepper?
Yes, if you don't have Aleppo pepper, use 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
How much onion is needed for the base?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion.
Should the shrimp tails be removed?
No, the instructions suggest peeling and deveining the shrimp while leaving the tails on.
Is this recipe suitable for a summer gathering?
Yes, it is ideal for summer gatherings as it uses fresh seasonal flavors and is quick to prepare.
Why is hard feta cheese specified?
Hard feta is used so it can be coarsely grated for even distribution over the baked dish.
Is this considered an easy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe that combines simple preparation steps with high-quality Mediterranean flavors.