Mediterranean Shrimp Sahanaki with Feta and Kasseri
Experience the delectable flavors of Greece with this Mediterranean Shrimp Sahanaki dish, an ideal appetizer or light main course. Juicy shrimp are nestled in a rich and fragrant tomato sauce infused with garlic, fresh herbs, and a splash of ouzo. Topped with creamy feta and kasseri cheese, this dish is perfect for sharing. Serve it warm, alongside crusty bread to soak up the irresistible sauce, paired with a glass of chilled white wine for a traditional Greek dining experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1/3 cup (none)
onion
1 medium (finely chopped)
tomatoes
1 lb (peeled, seeded and chopped)
parsley
4 tablespoons (chopped)
garlic
1 clove (minced)
cayenne pepper
1 pinch (none)
ouzo
1/4 cup (none)
large raw shrimp
1 lb (peeled and deveined (tails left on))
feta cheese
4 ounces (crumbled)
kasseri cheese
4 ounces (cut into ½ inch cubes (substitute gouda if necessary))
parsley
1/4 cup (minced)
crusty bread
to serve (freshly baked)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
2
Add the finely chopped onion, sautéing it until it turns golden brown, which should take about 12 minutes.
3
Stir in the peeled, seeded, and chopped tomatoes, followed by the chopped parsley, minced garlic, a pinch of cayenne, and the ouzo. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
4
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer. This will allow the sauce to thicken over the next 25 minutes.
5
Once the sauce has thickened, gently add the raw shrimp to the pan, stirring to combine. Cook for an additional 6-8 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked.
6
Remove the saucepan from the heat, then sprinkle the crumbled feta, cubed kasseri, and additional parsley over the shrimp and sauce. Cover the pan with a lid and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the cheeses to melt slightly.
7
Carefully give the dish a gentle stir to incorporate the melting cheeses, then ladle the mixture onto serving plates.
8
Serve hot, accompanied by slices of fresh, crusty bread to revel in the delicious sauce.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Shrimp Sahanaki?
It is a traditional Greek-inspired dish featuring juicy shrimp in a rich, fragrant tomato sauce with feta and kasseri cheese.
What types of cheese are used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 4 ounces of crumbled feta cheese and 4 ounces of cubed kasseri cheese.
Is there a substitute for kasseri cheese?
Yes, if you cannot find kasseri, you can substitute it with gouda cheese.
How much ouzo is required for this dish?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of ouzo to infuse the sauce with flavor.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the finely chopped onions over medium heat for about 12 minutes until they turn golden brown.
How do I prepare the tomatoes?
The tomatoes should be peeled, seeded, and chopped before being added to the sauce.
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
The sauce should simmer covered for 25 minutes to allow it to thicken.
What kind of shrimp should be used?
Use 1 pound of large raw shrimp that have been peeled and deveined, preferably with the tails left on.
How long do the shrimp take to cook?
The shrimp take approximately 6 to 8 minutes to cook until they turn pink.
What is the final step for melting the cheese?
After adding the cheeses, cover the pan with a lid and let it sit for 5 minutes off the heat.
What should I serve with Shrimp Sahanaki?
It is best served hot with slices of fresh, crusty bread to soak up the tomato sauce.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe requires 1/3 cup of olive oil.
Does this recipe contain garlic?
Yes, it includes 1 clove of minced garlic.
Is the dish spicy?
It contains a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle hint of heat.
How much parsley is needed in total?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of chopped parsley in the sauce and an additional 1/4 cup of minced parsley for the topping.
What size should the kasseri cheese cubes be?
The kasseri cheese should be cut into 1/2 inch cubes.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but ensure they are fully thawed, peeled, and deveined before adding them to the sauce.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The sauce is rich, fragrant, and thickened through a 25-minute simmering process.
Is this a main course or an appetizer?
It can be served as either a delectable appetizer or a light main course.
What beverage pairs well with this dish?
A glass of chilled white wine is recommended for a traditional Greek dining experience.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 total ingredients listed for this dish.
Should the pan be covered while simmering the sauce?
Yes, the sauce should be covered while simmering for 25 minutes.
How do I incorporate the cheeses?
Sprinkle the cheeses over the shrimp, let them melt under a lid, and then give the dish a gentle stir.
What type of heat is used for the olive oil?
The olive oil should be heated over medium heat until shimmering.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include greek cuisine, shrimp, appetizer, seafood, mediterranean, and cheese.
Is the onion finely chopped or sliced?
The recipe specifies using one medium onion, finely chopped.
What is the role of the cayenne pepper?
A pinch of cayenne is added to the tomato mixture to season the sauce.
Can I use different types of bread?
While crusty bread is ideal for soaking up sauce, any fresh bread can be used.
When do I add the salt and pepper?
Add salt and pepper to taste when stirring in the tomatoes and herbs.
How do I serve the finished dish?
Ladle the hot mixture onto serving plates and garnish with additional parsley.