Smoky Shrimp and Quinoa One-Pot Delight

One-Pot Shrimp Quinoa Recipe

Category: Main Dishes | Serves: 4

A healthy, flavorful one-pot meal combining plump shrimp, nutty quinoa, and aromatic vegetables, simmered in a rich seafood broth. This One-Pot Shrimp Quinoa dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It’s packed with the flavors of fresh ingredients and made easy with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Quinoa:
   Begin by checking the instructions on the quinoa package. If the quinoa needs rinsing, rinse it thoroughly under cold running water. Lay it out on a clean kitchen towel to dry off excess water.

2. Prepare the Shrimp:
   Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp. Hold the shrimp by the tail, remove the head and legs, and peel off the shell, leaving the tail intact. Use a sharp knife to make a small incision along the back to remove the vein. Once cleaned, set the shrimp aside in the fridge, keeping the shells for the broth.

3. Prepare the Broth:
   Dice the onion into quarters and slice the leek into thin rounds. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about a minute, then add the leek and minced garlic. Stir for another minute until fragrant.
   Add the shrimp shells to the pot and cook for about two minutes, allowing them to release their flavors. Pour in the white wine and let it cook off the alcohol. Then, add the water, ensuring it covers the shells. Add the whole black peppercorns, parsley sprigs, and a pinch of salt (be mindful, as the broth will already be salty). Lower the heat and let the broth simmer gently for about 60 minutes. Skim off any foam from the surface using a slotted spoon, rinsing the spoon between uses. The broth should reduce by half.

4. Strain the Broth:
   Once the broth has simmered and reduced, strain it through a fine mesh sieve to remove the solids. Keep the broth warm for the next step.

5. Cook the Quinoa:
   In a separate pan, heat the olive oil. Slice the celery and spring onions and sauté them in the olive oil until softened, about 10 minutes. Add a ladle of the hot seafood broth (about 50g) to the pan and let it cook down. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika for an extra depth of flavor.
   Add the quinoa to the pan and stir for 1-2 minutes until the quinoa becomes slightly toasted. Then, pour in enough of the seafood broth to cover the quinoa completely. Stir gently and cover the pot with a lid.

6. Simmer the Quinoa:
   Let the quinoa cook on very low heat for approximately 17 minutes. Do not lift the lid or stir during this time, as you want to preserve the steam and ensure the quinoa cooks evenly.

7. Prepare the Shrimp Garnish:
   While the quinoa is cooking, finely chop the parsley for the garnish. In a small bowl, mix the chopped parsley with a drizzle of olive oil to create the shrimp seasoning.

8. Assemble and Serve:
   Once the quinoa is cooked, fluff it with a fork. Place the cooked shrimp on top of the quinoa and drizzle with the parsley and olive oil mixture. Cover the pot with the lid again to allow the shrimp to heat through.

9. Garnish and Serve:
   Serve the One-Pot Shrimp Quinoa hot, garnished with a few more sprigs of fresh parsley.

This recipe brings together tender shrimp, perfectly cooked quinoa, and the delicate richness of seafood broth. The smoky paprika adds a layer of warmth and depth, making this dish an unforgettable, easy-to-make meal. Enjoy!

Nutritional Information (per serving):

This delightful, one-pot dish is the perfect blend of protein, fiber, and rich flavors, making it an ideal choice for a healthy dinner that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.