“…You could sleep/ until Easter. Maybe the fog will have lifted/ by then and time will not seem to pass/ like small bones being broken in order.” Jack Underwood, from “An Envelope”
Here on the other side of Easter, we are still “pounding on the windows like [flies],” buzzing with concern and ennui. Perhaps hope, too, that with enough time the glass between us and a more certain future will become air. Fresh, fearless air.
We just keep cooking over here. Cooking, and hoping, and wishing, and praying, planning and dreaming…
This shrimp dish is absolutely amazing- a one-pot wonder. The trick is to get the orzo to brown just so on the skillet like a cajun paella.
Shrimp Scampi With Orzo
Adapted from New York Times Cooking
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon zest, plus 1 tablespoon juice (from 1 lemon)
½ teaspoon red-pepper flakes
Kosher salt and black pepper
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter; I used Betterine
1 cup orzo
⅓ cup dry white wine
2 cups boiling water, seafood stock or chicken stock
3 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
In a medium bowl, stir together shrimp, 1 tablespoon olive oil, lemon zest, red-pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper and half the garlic. Set aside to marinate.
Add butter, remaining olive oil and remaining garlic to a medium skillet set over medium heat. When the butter starts to bubble, add the orzo and 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring often, until the orzo is toasted, about 2 minutes, adjusting the heat as necessary to prevent the garlic from burning. Carefully add the wine — it will bubble — and stir until absorbed, about 1 minute. Stir in water, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until orzo is al dente, about 12 minutes.
Add the shrimp in a snug, even layer on top of the orzo, cover, and cook until all the shrimp is pink and cooked through, 2 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, 2 minutes.
Sprinkle with parsley and lemon juice, season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.
This pairs well with Bloody Mary’s mixed with Drake’s Organic Spirits. This company has turned their distilleries into hand sanitizer factories and for every ounce purchased an ounce is donated AND frontline workers get ½ off bulk purchases.
All hyperlinked products have been gifted.