Let me take you on a delightful culinary adventure. Picture this: a cozy evening, the air filled with the zest of fresh lemons and the gentle aroma of succulent shrimp mingling with hearty beans.
If there’s one dish that captures that warmth and satisfaction, it’s my lemony shrimp and bean stew. This dish has become a staple in my kitchen, easily transitioning from casual dinners to festive gatherings.
What Is Lemony Shrimp and Bean Stew?
Lemony shrimp and bean stew is a vibrant, comforting dish that brings together tender shrimp, creamy cannellini beans, and a burst of citrusy flavors.
This stew doesn’t just stop at satisfying your appetite; it also dances on your palate. It combines the protein-packed goodness of shrimp with the fiber-rich benefits of beans, creating a nourishing meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
The beauty of this stew lies in its simplicity. Using just a handful of ingredients, I’ve crafted a recipe that manages to be both quick to prepare and bursting with flavor.
With a hint of lemon and a touch of spice, this dish has stolen hearts (and stomachs!) at my dinner table more times than I can count.
Why You’ll Love This Lemony Shrimp and Bean Stew
Quick and Easy: You can have this dish on the table in about 30 minutes. It’s perfect for those busy nights when cooking feels daunting.
Healthy Comfort Food: Packed with protein and fiber, this stew is a wholesome option. Both shrimp and beans are excellent sources of nutrients, keeping you full and satisfied.
Versatile: Want to switch things up? This recipe can be tailored to your taste. The base allows for many variations depending on what you have in your pantry.
Impressive Presentation: Serve this stew in a rustic bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and it’ll look like a five-star meal.
Family-Friendly: It’s simple enough for kids to enjoy and sophisticated enough for adults. Everyone will appreciate the flavors!
Now that I’ve whetted your appetite, let’s dive into the ingredients!
The Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed
- 1 Tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 large shallot, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon paprika (choose sweet or smoked for depth)
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 can cannellini beans, drained and thoroughly rinsed
- 2 cups broth (chicken, seafood, or vegetable)
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 Tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 Tablespoon flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
With everything ready, let’s get started on our culinary creation.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by cleaning your shrimp if they aren’t already. Peel and devein them, ensuring that the tails are removed. Pat them dry with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. This will help achieve that beautiful sear later.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the cubed butter. As it melts, toss in the sliced shallots. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until they turn soft and translucent. The shallots should be fragrant—this is where your base flavor begins.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Spices
Now it’s garlic time! Add the minced garlic to the pot and stir for another minute. Be careful not to let it burn; burnt garlic can ruin everything. Next, sprinkle in the paprika, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and cumin. Stir these spices into the mixture, allowing them to release their aromas.
Step 4: Introduce the Beans
Add the drained cannellini beans to the pot. Stir gently to coat them in the aromatic mixture. They’re already cooked, so we just want to warm them up and let the flavors meld.
Step 5: Bring on the Broth
Pour in the broth of your choice. The magic happens here! Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Don’t rush this. Allow the flavors to blend for about 10 minutes. If the stew looks too thick, you can add a bit more broth.
Step 6: Add Shrimp and Herbs
The most exciting part is about to come! Add the shrimp to the simmering pot. Toss in the fresh rosemary sprigs as well. Let the stew simmer for another 3-5 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
Step 7: Finish with Lemon Juice and Zest
Remove the pot from heat. Now, the finishing touch: stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and the lemon zest. This is where the dish gets its bright, refreshing flavor.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Serve the stew in bowls and sprinkle with chopped parsley for that pop of color. Grab some crusty bread for dipping and enjoy your creation.
Tips & Tricks
- Use Fresh Shrimp: If possible, opt for fresh shrimp. The taste and texture elevate the dish significantly.
- Adjust Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. If you love heat, add more red pepper flakes!
- Try Different Beans: While cannellini beans work great, feel free to experiment with black beans or chickpeas.
- Add Vegetables: Toss in some spinach or kale towards the end for an extra nutrition boost.
- Don’t Skip the Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest introduce freshness. You can even add more if you prefer a tangier taste.
Can I Store Lemony Shrimp and Bean Stew?
Absolutely! This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to meld together even more overnight, making leftovers a treat. Just make sure to reheat it gently on the stove to prevent the shrimp from overcooking.
What Can I Serve with Lemony Shrimp and Bean Stew?
- Crusty Bread: A loaf of sourdough or a baguette pairs beautifully for dipping.
- Simple Salad: A light mixed greens salad with vinaigrette adds freshness.
- Rice or Quinoa: Serve alongside rice or quinoa for a heartier meal.
- Grilled Vegetables: Grilled asparagus or zucchini makes for a delightful contrast in flavors.
- Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes are a delightful side that brings comfort to the table.
Conclusion
Cooking has always been a personal journey for me, blending flavors and heart into every dish. Lemony shrimp and bean stew is a testament to that joy of easy, heartfelt cooking.
It’s wholesome and comforting yet refreshingly light, making it the ideal dish for any occasion. I hope this piece has inspired you to try it out in your own kitchen.
I can assure you, it’s not just a meal; it’s an experience worth sharing. So next time you’re looking for something delicious to whip up in a hurry, remember this stew, and trust me, your taste buds will thank you! Happy cooking!
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Lemony Shrimp And Bean Stew Recipe – Affordable Food Ideas
Let me take you on a delightful culinary adventure. Picture this: a cozy evening, the air filled with the zest of fresh lemons and the gentle aroma of succulent shrimp mingling with hearty beans.
If there’s one dish that captures that warmth and satisfaction, it’s my lemony shrimp and bean stew. This dish has become a staple in my kitchen, easily transitioning from casual dinners to festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
-
Start by cleaning your shrimp if they aren’t already. Peel and devein them, ensuring that the tails are removed. Pat them dry with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. This will help achieve that beautiful sear later.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
-
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the cubed butter. As it melts, toss in the sliced shallots. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until they turn soft and translucent. The shallots should be fragrant—this is where your base flavor begins.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Spices
-
Now it’s garlic time! Add the minced garlic to the pot and stir for another minute. Be careful not to let it burn; burnt garlic can ruin everything. Next, sprinkle in the paprika, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and cumin. Stir these spices into the mixture, allowing them to release their aromas.
Step 4: Introduce the Beans
-
Add the drained cannellini beans to the pot. Stir gently to coat them in the aromatic mixture. They're already cooked, so we just want to warm them up and let the flavors meld.
Step 5: Bring on the Broth
-
Pour in the broth of your choice. The magic happens here! Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Don’t rush this. Allow the flavors to blend for about 10 minutes. If the stew looks too thick, you can add a bit more broth.
Step 6: Add Shrimp and Herbs
-
The most exciting part is about to come! Add the shrimp to the simmering pot. Toss in the fresh rosemary sprigs as well. Let the stew simmer for another 3-5 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
Step 7: Finish with Lemon Juice and Zest
-
Remove the pot from heat. Now, the finishing touch: stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and the lemon zest. This is where the dish gets its bright, refreshing flavor.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
-
Serve the stew in bowls and sprinkle with chopped parsley for that pop of color. Grab some crusty bread for dipping and enjoy your creation.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 275kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 9.5g15%
- Saturated Fat 2.6g13%
- Cholesterol 194mg65%
- Sodium 1428mg60%
- Total Carbohydrate 3g1%
- Protein 42g84%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Use Fresh Shrimp: If possible, opt for fresh shrimp. The taste and texture elevate the dish significantly.
- Adjust Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. If you love heat, add more red pepper flakes!
- Try Different Beans: While cannellini beans work great, feel free to experiment with black beans or chickpeas.
- Add Vegetables: Toss in some spinach or kale towards the end for an extra nutrition boost.
- Don’t Skip the Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest introduce freshness. You can even add more if you prefer a tangier taste.
