Catalan-style Shrimp

Catalan-style shrimp is a fresh and tasty dish, typical of Catalonia, but also widely appreciated in Italy. It’s a simple and elegant preparation that enhances the sweet flavor of the shrimp. Here’s the recipe:

Ingredients

• 500g of fresh shrimp
• 2 ripe tomatoes
• 1 medium red onion
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Extra virgin olive oil to taste
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Preparation

1. Clean the shrimp by removing the shell and the intestine (the black vein on the back), leaving the tail on. Some prefer cooking them with the entire head and shell for a more intense flavor.
2. Boil the shrimp in salted boiling water for about 1-2 minutes or until they turn a nice pink color. Drain them and let them cool down.
3. In the meantime, wash the tomatoes, remove the seeds, and dice them. Slice the red onion thinly.
4. In a large bowl, mix the tomatoes with the onion, add the lemon juice, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste.
5. Add the shrimp to the bowl and gently mix to let all the ingredients get flavored.
6. Let the dish rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving, so the shrimp can absorb all the flavors.
7. When serving, you can add a bit of chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.

Catalan-style shrimp is excellent served as an appetizer or a light main course, accompanied by slices of crispy bread or bruschettas. To make the dish more gourmet, some prefer to add a splash of brandy or Cognac to the just-cooked shrimp to enhance their taste.

Curiosity

This dish is a typical example of how Mediterranean cuisine manages to enhance seafood products with simplicity and healthiness, using extra virgin olive oil and fresh, seasonal ingredients.