Cajun Shrimp & Cheesy Polenta

Raw Spice Bar
Servings 4

This Ottolenghi inspired recipe is a take on the famous shrimp and polenta. Buying the prawns with shell on can be used to make your own shellfish stock for the cheesy polenta. This is a quick and easy dish with our freshly blended Cajun seasoning. Enjoy!

Ingredients

Shrimp

  • 1 pound shrimp - extra large, shelled and deveined
  • 5 thick bacon slices - chopped
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 bunch parsley - chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic - minced
  • 2 green onions - thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper - diced
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 cup shellfish stock - or water
  • 1/2 lemon
  • salt - to taste
  • pepper - to taste

Polenta

  • 1 cup quick-cook polenta
  • 3 cups shellfish stock - or water
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 ounces white sharp cheddar cheese - grated (about 1-1/2 cups)

Instructions 

Shrimp

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté bacon until brown and crisp, 3-5 minutes.
  • Remove bacon from skillet and transfer to a plate, leaving drippings in the pan.
  • Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the bacon drippings.
  • Toss the shrimp with salt and cajun seasonings and add to the skillet.
  • Sauté the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes. Set aside.
  • Add garlic, paprika, bell pepper, parsley, and green onions to the skillet.
  • Add broth and cook, 3-4 minutes.
  • Add shrimp, bacon, and a splash of lemon juice.

Polenta

  • Add stock, milk, bay leaf, and salt to a heavy saucepan and bring to a boil.
  • Gradually whisk in the polenta, stirring vigorously to keep smooth.
  • Reduce heat to a simmer, about 15 minutes until water is absorbed.
  • Remove from heat; add butter and cheese, whisking until melted.

Serve

  • Portion polenta into bowls, spoon shrimp on top, serve and enjoy.
Publication: Raw Spice Bar
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