Savory Shrimp & Cannellini Bean Medley
Indulge in a delightful culinary experience with our Savory Shrimp & Cannellini Bean Medley. Each bite reveals the tender pink shrimp that dance harmoniously with creamy cannellini beans, creating a dish that's both comforting and invigorating. As winter's chill sets in, this quick and hearty recipe becomes your go-to for a cozy evening. Bursting with fresh basil, zesty lemon, and a hint of spice from serrano chilies or red pepper flakes, it’s a flavor journey that will leave you longing for more. Simmered with pancetta for an extra touch of richness, this dish is perfect for warming both your heart and home. Pair it with a glass of warm apple cider to complete your dining experience, ensuring it’s a match made in gastronomic heaven.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
22
Ingredients
Ingredients
Garlic, minced
1 clove (minced)
Dried basil
2 teaspoons
Dried parsley
2 teaspoons
Dried thyme
2 teaspoons
Ground black pepper
1 teaspoon (coarse)
Olive oil
5 tablespoons (divided)
Lemon
1 (juice only)
Raw shrimp
24 (peeled and deveined)
Canned cannellini white beans
2 cups
Pancetta (or bacon)
3 slices
Small onion
1 (chopped)
Oregano, dried
1/4 teaspoon
Thyme, dried
1/8 teaspoon
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
Serrano chili or jalapeno
1 small (thinly sliced (optional))
Red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (crushed)
Fresh tomato
1 cup (peeled, seeded, and diced)
Fresh basil leaves
1 cup (lightly Packed)
Lemon juice
1 tablespoon
Extra virgin olive oil
as needed (for drizzling)
Flat-leaf Italian parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Instructions
1
Start by marinating the shrimp in a mixture of minced garlic, lemon juice, dried basil, parsley, thyme, and black pepper for at least 10 minutes to enhance flavor.
2
Drain the cannellini beans and reserve the liquid. In a large skillet, add the beans and just enough of their reserved liquid to moisten them, along with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat gently over low, keeping them warm.
3
In a separate large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over high heat. Add the marinated shrimp, seasoning with salt, and cook for about 1 minute, tossing frequently, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp with tongs and set aside in a warm bowl.
4
In the same skillet, add pancetta. Fry until the fat is rendered, then remove and set aside. In the remaining fat, add another tablespoon of olive oil and the chopped onion. Cook for about 3 minutes until translucent, then add a clove of minced garlic and sauté for 20 seconds at medium heat.
5
Add the oregano, thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, and the reserving cooked pancetta to the skillet and mix well.
6
Introduce the serrano chilies or jalapenos (if using) and cook for an additional minute. Stir in the diced tomatoes and fresh basil, allowing the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes until warmed and flavors melded. Finish with lemon juice, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
7
Gently incorporate the cooked shrimp into the tomato mixture, tossing to combine. Heat just until shrimp are warmed through.
8
On a serving platter or individual plates, spoon the warm cannellini beans and top them with the shrimp and tomato mixture. Drizzle with high-quality extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
9
Serve immediately, inviting your loved ones to enjoy the comforting warmth and exquisite flavors of this delightful dish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein in the Savory Shrimp & Cannellini Bean Medley?
The main proteins are raw shrimp and pancetta (or bacon).
How long should I marinate the shrimp?
You should marinate the shrimp for at least 10 minutes to enhance the flavor.
What ingredients are used in the shrimp marinade?
The marinade consists of minced garlic, lemon juice, dried basil, parsley, thyme, and black pepper.
What kind of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses two cups of canned cannellini white beans.
Should I throw away the liquid from the canned beans?
No, you should reserve the liquid and use just enough to moisten the beans while heating them.
How long does it take to cook the shrimp?
The shrimp take about 1 minute on high heat until they turn pink and opaque.
Can I substitute pancetta with something else?
Yes, bacon is a suitable substitute for pancetta in this recipe.
What is the best way to cook the pancetta?
Fry the pancetta in a skillet until the fat is rendered, then remove it and set aside.
How long should I sauté the onion?
Sauté the chopped onion for about 3 minutes until it becomes translucent.
When should I add the garlic to the onion mixture?
Add the minced garlic after the onions are translucent and sauté for 20 seconds at medium heat.
What spices are added to the vegetable mixture?
The mixture includes oregano, thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes.
Is this dish spicy?
It can be spicy as it includes red pepper flakes and an optional small serrano or jalapeno chili.
How should the fresh tomatoes be prepared?
The tomatoes should be peeled, seeded, and diced before being added to the skillet.
How long do the tomatoes and basil need to simmer?
Simmer the tomato and fresh basil mixture for about 5 minutes until the flavors have melded.
When do I add the cooked shrimp back into the pan?
Gently incorporate the cooked shrimp into the tomato mixture after it has simmered and just before serving.
How do I assemble the final dish for serving?
Spoon the warm cannellini beans onto a plate and top them with the shrimp and tomato mixture.
What final toppings are recommended?
Drizzle the dish with high-quality extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with chopped flat-leaf Italian parsley.
Is this recipe appropriate for cold weather?
Yes, it is specifically described as a cozy winter dish perfect for warming your heart and home.
What drink is suggested as a pairing?
A glass of warm apple cider is recommended to complete the dining experience.
How many shrimp are needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 24 raw shrimp, peeled and deveined.
How much olive oil is used in total?
The recipe uses 5 tablespoons of olive oil divided throughout the steps, plus extra for drizzling.
What type of cuisine does this dish fall under?
This dish is categorized as Italian cuisine.
Can I use dried herbs for the garnish?
While dried herbs are used in the marinade, fresh basil and flat-leaf Italian parsley are recommended for the sauce and garnish.
What should the texture of the beans be?
The cannellini beans should be creamy and gently warmed through.
Do I cook the beans in the same pan as the shrimp?
No, the beans are heated gently in a separate large skillet over low heat.
Should the shrimp be cooked all the way through initially?
Yes, cook them until they are pink and opaque, then set them aside so they don't overcook while you finish the sauce.
How much fresh basil is used?
The recipe uses 1 cup of lightly packed fresh basil leaves.
What is the purpose of adding lemon juice at the end?
The lemon juice adds a zesty finish and balances the richness of the pancetta and olive oil.
Is this a complex recipe to make?
No, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a quick meal.
Does the recipe include salt and pepper?
Yes, it uses ground black pepper in the marinade and salt and pepper to taste for the final seasoning.