Athenian Shrimp In Tomato And Feta Sauce

🍤🍅🧀 Athenian Shrimp in Tomato and Feta Sauce 🍤🍅🧀

Athenian Shrimp in Tomato and Feta Sauce, also known as “Garides Saganaki” in Greek cuisine, is a mouthwatering and heartwarming dish with a rich history and a combination of delicious components. Here’s everything you need to know about it:

📜 History:
Garides Saganaki is a popular Greek dish that hails from the Mediterranean region. The name “saganaki” actually refers to the small, two-handled frying pan used to make this dish. The recipe likely has ancient origins but has evolved over time, becoming a beloved seafood dish in Greek cuisine. It’s often enjoyed in both homes and Greek tavernas.

🥘 Components:

• Shrimp: The star of the dish, typically large shrimp or prawns, cleaned and deveined.
• Tomato Sauce: A rich and flavorful tomato sauce made with ripe tomatoes, garlic, onions, and a blend of aromatic herbs and spices.
• Feta Cheese: The creamy and tangy feta cheese adds a unique depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the shrimp and creating the base of the sauce.
• Herbs and Spices: A mixture of fresh herbs such as oregano and parsley, as well as seasonings like red pepper flakes, black pepper, and a touch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Optional Additions: Some recipes may include ingredients like bell peppers or capers for extra flavor.

🍳 Preparation:
Here’s a step-by-step guide to prepare Athenian Shrimp in Tomato and Feta Sauce:

1. Preparation: Clean and devein the shrimp if they aren’t already. Season them with salt and pepper.

2. Sauté: Heat olive oil in a large, ovenproof skillet. Add the shrimp and sauté until they turn pink and slightly opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.

3. Tomato Sauce: In the same skillet, add diced onions and garlic. Sauté until they become translucent. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften.

4. Flavor: Stir in the herbs, spices, and a touch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

5. Feta Cheese: Add chunks of feta cheese to the tomato sauce. Make little wells in the sauce and nestle the shrimp into it.

6. Bake: Place the skillet in a preheated oven and bake until the feta cheese becomes soft and slightly golden, and the sauce is bubbling.

7. Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs and a pinch of red pepper flakes for some extra heat.

⏰ Time Needed:
The preparation and cooking time for Athenian Shrimp in Tomato and Feta Sauce usually takes around 30-40 minutes. It’s a relatively quick and straightforward dish to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

This delightful dish combines the flavors of succulent shrimp, rich tomato sauce, and creamy feta cheese, creating a truly satisfying meal that’s sure to impress. Enjoy your culinary journey through Greek cuisine! 🍽️🇬🇷😋

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Athenian Shrimp in Tomato and Feta Sauce:

📊 Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):

• Calories: 350-400
• Protein: 30-35 grams
• Fat: 15-20 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 5-7 grams
• Carbohydrates: 15-20 grams
• Fiber: 2-3 grams
• Sugars: 7-10 grams
• Cholesterol: 180-220 mg
• Sodium: 800-1000 mg
• Potassium: 400-500 mg
• Vitamin A: 15-20% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin C: 15-20% of the DV
• Calcium: 15-20% of the DV
• Iron: 10-15% of the DV

🔍 Health Information:

• Protein: This dish is rich in protein due to the shrimp, which is an excellent source of lean protein. Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair.

• Healthy Fats: Olive oil and the fats in feta cheese provide healthy monounsaturated fats, which are good for heart health.

• Carbohydrates: The carbohydrates primarily come from the tomatoes and onions. These provide energy and some dietary fiber.

• Fiber: While this dish is not exceptionally high in fiber, the tomatoes and herbs do contribute some fiber, which aids digestion.

• Vitamins and Minerals: Athenian Shrimp in Tomato and Feta Sauce is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and potassium.

• Cholesterol: Shrimp is relatively high in cholesterol, but it’s important to note that dietary cholesterol has less impact on blood cholesterol levels for most people compared to saturated and trans fats.

• Sodium: The sodium content can be relatively high due to seasonings and feta cheese. If you’re watching your sodium intake, consider using low-sodium ingredients.

• Customization: You can make this dish healthier by using less cheese and olive oil or choosing whole-grain options for serving.

Overall, Athenian Shrimp in Tomato and Feta Sauce is a tasty and nutritious dish, but like many recipes, its health impact can vary based on portion size and ingredient choices. It’s a good source of protein and various essential nutrients, but be mindful of the sodium content, especially if you’re on a low-sodium diet. Enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet. 🍤🍅🧀😊