Brandy Shrimp with Stracciatella and Pistachio
Category: Appetizer
Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 40 minutes (plus marination time)
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
This Brandy Shrimp with Stracciatella and Pistachio is a sophisticated appetizer that brings together the rich flavors of succulent shrimp, the creamy delight of stracciatella cheese, and the earthy crunch of pistachios, all infused with the aromatic essence of citrus. This dish is perfect for special occasions or to impress your guests at dinner parties.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp (large) | 12 pieces |
| Brandy | 100 ml |
| Stracciatella cheese | 120 g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 100 g |
| Unsalted pistachios | 200 g |
| Freshly ground black pepper | To taste |
| Fine salt | To taste |
| Orange juice | 140 g |
| Lime juice | 60 g |
| Pistachio granules | To taste |
| Lime zest | To taste |
| Lemon thyme (or thyme) | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~300 kcal |
| Protein | ~25 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~12 g |
| Fat | ~18 g |
| Fiber | ~2 g |
| Sodium | ~400 mg |
| Vitamin C | ~35 mg |
| Calcium | ~80 mg |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Shrimp:
Begin by cleaning the shrimp. Carefully remove the heads, legs, and shells. Place the peeled shrimp in a bowl and set aside. -
Marinate the Shrimp:
Squeeze the juice of fresh oranges and lime into a bowl. Filter the juices through a fine sieve to remove pulp and seeds. Pour the citrus juices over the shrimp, cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 40 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. -
Make the Pistachio Pesto:
While the shrimp marinates, prepare the pistachio pesto. Place the unsalted pistachios into a food processor or blender. Pulse until finely chopped. Gradually add the extra virgin olive oil to the pistachios, mixing until the texture becomes smooth but still slightly chunky. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Set the pesto aside. -
Cook the Shrimp:
Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to the pan and allow it to heat up. Once hot, add the marinated shrimp and cook for 20 seconds on one side, then flip them and cook for an additional 20 seconds on the other side. Afterward, pour in the brandy and allow the shrimp to finish cooking for another 2 minutes, letting the alcohol evaporate and the flavors to infuse. -
Assemble the Dish:
To serve, plate the shrimp on individual serving dishes. Spoon a dollop of pistachio pesto onto each serving. Top with a generous spoonful of stracciatella cheese, followed by a sprinkle of lime zest and a drizzle of the citrus marinade from the shrimp. Pour a bit of the cooking liquid from the shrimp over the top for added flavor. -
Finish with Garnishes:
Sprinkle some pistachio granules over the shrimp for an extra crunch and garnish with fresh lemon thyme. Serve immediately while the shrimp are warm.
Cooking Tips:
- For a smoother pesto, you can blend the pistachios longer, or for more texture, leave them chunkier.
- If you want a bit more citrus flavor, you can substitute the lime zest with orange zest as well.
- Ensure the shrimp are cooked just until opaque, as overcooking them can make them tough.
This Brandy Shrimp with Stracciatella and Pistachio is an unforgettable starter that balances richness, creaminess, and crunch, offering a taste of luxury with every bite. It’s a perfect dish for impressing your guests at any special gathering.
