Shrimp Florentine Recipe 🍤
Introduction:
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Europe with this exquisite Shrimp Florentine recipe! Bursting with succulent shrimp, tender spinach, and a creamy béchamel sauce, this one-dish meal is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Perfect for a cozy dinner with loved ones or a special occasion, this dish promises to impress with its elegant presentation and irresistible taste. Let’s dive into the culinary adventure and create a masterpiece together!
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds of shrimp 🍤
- 1 package of spinach 🌱
- 2 garlic cloves 🧄
- 1/4 cup of butter 🧈
- 3 tablespoons of flour
- 2 cups of milk 🥛
- 1 onion 🧅
- 1 bay leaf 🍃
- A pinch of nutmeg
- A few peppercorns
- A dash of mace
- 1 cup of Swiss cheese 🧀
Instructions:
Preparation:
- Begin by draining the spinach and pressing it in a sieve to remove excess moisture. Once drained, chop the spinach finely and set it aside.
Cooking:
- In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic cloves to the melted butter and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and sauté until it becomes dry. Season the spinach mixture with your favorite herbs and spices, ensuring it’s well seasoned.
- Spread the sautéed spinach evenly on the bottom of a casserole dish.
- Arrange two-thirds of the shrimp on top of the spinach layer, creating an even distribution.
Béchamel Sauce:
- Now, let’s prepare the creamy béchamel sauce. Begin by infusing the milk with flavors. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk with sliced onion, bay leaf, peppercorns, and a pinch of nutmeg. Microwave the milk until it’s warm and infused with the flavors.
- Once infused, strain the milk to remove the aromatics.
- In a separate saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Gradually add the flour to the melted butter, whisking continuously to form a smooth roux.
- Slowly pour the infused milk into the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue cooking and whisking until the sauce thickens, about 3 minutes in the microwave, stirring twice.
Assembly:
- Pour the prepared béchamel sauce evenly over the layer of shrimp in the casserole dish.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the assembled casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through and the sauce is bubbly.
Finishing Touches:
- While the casserole is baking, melt the remaining butter in a skillet. Add the remaining shrimp to the skillet and sauté until they are cooked to perfection.
- Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven. Arrange the sautéed shrimp around the edges of the casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the top of the casserole with shredded Swiss cheese, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
- Turn on your oven’s broiler and place the casserole dish under the broiler for 4-5 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Serving:
- Once the cheese is melted and lightly browned, remove the Shrimp Florentine from the oven. Allow it to cool slightly before serving.
- Serve this delectable dish hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Pair it with your favorite side dishes or enjoy it on its own for a truly satisfying meal experience.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 401.1 per serving
- Fat: 19.8g
- Saturated Fat: 11.8g
- Cholesterol: 385.1mg
- Sodium: 541.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 11.7g
- Fiber: 0.4g
- Sugar: 0.3g
- Protein: 42.4g
Recipe Notes:
- Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. You can add additional herbs, spices, or vegetables to enhance the flavor profile.
- Serve this Shrimp Florentine with crusty bread or over a bed of cooked pasta for a hearty meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat before serving for a quick and delicious meal.
Embark on a culinary journey to Europe with this Shrimp Florentine recipe and delight your senses with its rich flavors and creamy texture. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home, this dish is sure to impress! Enjoy every bite of this decadent creation and savor the joy it brings to your table.