Tropical Barbados Shrimp Curry
Experience the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean with this authentic Tropical Barbados Shrimp Curry. This hearty dish brings together succulent shrimp, a medley of fresh vegetables, and a rich, aromatic curry sauce that has been enhanced with a touch of sweetness and tang. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner, this curry is a delightful fusion of spices and textures that will transport your taste buds to the shores of Barbados. Serve it with steamed rice or crusty bread for a complete meal that everyone will love!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
shrimp
3 lbs (cooked, shelled, and deveined, prepared one day before)
celery
1/2 head (chopped)
onion
1 large (chopped)
sweet peppers
2 (chopped)
garlic
2 cloves (chopped)
butter
1 cup (unsalted)
tomato puree
1 (28 ounce) can (or tomato sauce)
curry powder
3 tablespoons (freshly ground recommended)
salt
to taste
thyme
1 teaspoon (dried)
marjoram
1 teaspoon (dried)
Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon
A.1. Original Sauce
1 tablespoon
sugar
2 tablespoons (white or brown)
black pepper
2 teaspoons (freshly ground recommended)
lemon
1/2 (juice only)
peanuts or slivered almonds
to garnish
raisins
2 tablespoons
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped celery, onion, sweet peppers, and garlic. Sauté the mixture until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Transfer the sautéed vegetables into a large pot or deep casserole dish.
4
Pour in the entire can of tomato puree and stir well to combine the ingredients.
5
Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook until the vegetables are tender, approximately 10-15 minutes.
6
Stir in the curry powder, followed by the cooked shrimp. Gently fold the shrimp into the mixture.
7
Reduce the heat to low and let the curry simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
8
Add the remaining ingredients including salt, thyme, marjoram, Worcestershire sauce, A.1. Original Sauce, sugar, black pepper, and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly.
9
Continue to cook the curry on low heat for another 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is well heated and the flavors are beautifully blended.
10
Serve hot, garnished with peanuts or slivered almonds and raisins for an added crunch and sweetness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tropical Barbados Shrimp Curry?
It is an authentic Caribbean dish that combines succulent shrimp with a rich, aromatic curry sauce, vegetables, and a hint of sweetness.
How much shrimp is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 lbs of shrimp.
How should the shrimp be prepared?
The shrimp should be cooked, shelled, and deveined, ideally prepared one day before cooking the curry.
What vegetables are included in the curry?
The dish includes 1/2 head of chopped celery, one large chopped onion, and two chopped sweet peppers.
How much butter is used to sauté the vegetables?
One cup of unsalted butter is used to melt and sauté the aromatic vegetables.
Can I substitute tomato puree?
Yes, you can use tomato sauce as an alternative to the 28-ounce can of tomato puree.
What type of curry powder is recommended?
The recipe recommends using three tablespoons of freshly ground curry powder for the best flavor.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need two cloves of chopped garlic.
How long should I sauté the initial vegetable mixture?
Sauté the celery, onion, sweet peppers, and garlic for about 5-7 minutes until they are soft and fragrant.
What herbs provide the seasoning for this curry?
The dish is seasoned with one teaspoon each of dried thyme and dried marjoram.
Is there a specific sauce added for depth of flavor?
Yes, one tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and one tablespoon of A.1. Original Sauce are included.
Does the recipe require sugar?
Yes, two tablespoons of either white or brown sugar are used to balance the flavors.
What is the recommended garnish for this dish?
The curry is garnished with peanuts or slivered almonds and raisins.
How long does the curry need to simmer once all ingredients are added?
It should simmer on low heat for another 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend beautifully.
When should the lemon juice be added?
The juice of half a lemon is added along with the final spices and sauces after the shrimp has been folded in.
What is the primary cooking fat used?
Unsalted butter is the primary fat used for starting the dish.
Should the black pepper be freshly ground?
Yes, the recipe suggests two teaspoons of freshly ground black pepper for the best results.
What should I serve with this Barbados shrimp curry?
It is best served with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the aromatic sauce.
How many raisins are used in the dish?
Two tablespoons of raisins are used as part of the garnish.
Is the curry simmered on high heat?
No, after the initial simmer, the heat is reduced to low to prevent overcooking the shrimp and to meld flavors.
Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried?
While the recipe calls for dried, fresh herbs can be used, though the quantity may need adjustment for intensity.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
How much salt is needed?
Salt is added to taste depending on your personal preference.
What kind of peppers should be used?
The recipe specifies two sweet peppers, which should be chopped.
Is the shrimp added at the very beginning?
No, the shrimp is added after the vegetables have been sautéed and simmered in the tomato puree.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While the serving count isn't specified, the 3 lbs of shrimp typically serves a large family or group.
Does this recipe contain nuts?
Yes, it suggests peanuts or slivered almonds as a garnish.
Is the curry intended to be spicy?
The heat level depends on the curry powder used, but it is generally aromatic and flavorful rather than just hot.
What equipment do I need for the simmering phase?
You will need a large pot or a deep casserole dish for the simmering process.
What provides the 'tang' mentioned in the description?
The lemon juice and tomato puree provide the tangy profile in the sauce.