| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 295 | 16g | 6g | 8g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 2g | 15g | 0.82g |
Why I Love Greek Garides Saganaki
A childhood immersed in unique Tex-Mex flavors led me, Sofia Rodriguez, to discover a world of cuisines waiting to be explored. That love led me to this dish: the Greek classic, Garides Saganaki. Just as I blend Southern recipes with modern twists, the Garides Saganaki is a beautiful fusion of seafood and Greek culinary tradition, leaving a lasting impression on anyone who tastes it.
A Taste of The Mediterranean
The lure of this dish lies in its authentic Mediterranean inspiration, specifically Greek cuisine, which I find so appealing because of its fresh, robust tastes. The combination of shrimp, olive oil, onions and garlic is a typical Mediterranean pairing that creates an irresistible foundation for the other ingredients to dance upon. It’s a united nations of flavors that brings me back to the sunny island coasts.
An Homage To Tradition
What I appreciate about Garides Saganaki, similar to my Tex-Mex roots, is its nod towards tradition without being confined by it. Celebrity chef and restaurateur Jamie Oliver applauds this classic Greek dish as well. You can imagine families in Greece serving this comforting dish for generations, the fragrance of garlic and oregano wafting through warm, welcoming homes.
However, using dry white wine and fiery red pepper flakes adds a modern spin, something that surprises people the first time they try the dish – in the best possible way. The feta contributes a creaminess that binds everything together, reminiscent of Southern comfort food. Meanwhile, the parsley contributes a pop of color and freshness which reminds me of springtime Texas.
Perfect Pairings
As with any complex, flavorful main course, Garides Saganaki lends itself wonderfully to simple sides that can balance out the richness. A crisp, green salad, or a side of lemon parmesan kale salad for that refreshing hint of citrus, would be perfect. To continue the Mediterranean theme, a classic Greek salad would also complement the dish.
In the end, my love for this recipe is part taste, part nostalgia, and part the joy of sharing a meal that spans different cultures. In Garides Saganaki, I’ve found a dish that echoes my philosophy of blending and appreciating different culinary traditions. It’s a delicious reminder that food can be a language shared by all.
What You’ll Need
- 24 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Method
Step One
Begin by preparing your shrimp. Make sure they are clean, peeled and deveined. Set aside.
Step Two
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the onion and garlic until they are softened and aromatic.
Step Three
Add the dry white wine to the skillet. Cook for a few minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate.
Step Four
Add the can of diced tomatoes to the skillet, followed by the salt, black pepper, dried oregano and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, and allow the mixture to simmer for 10-15 minutes.
Step Five
Add the shrimp to the skillet, stirring to ensure that they are evenly distributed in the tomato sauce. Cook the shrimp in the sauce for about 5 minutes, or until they turn pink and are cooked through.
Step Six
Remove the skillet from the heat, and sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the shrimp and tomato sauce. Allow the feta to melt slightly from the heat of the dish.
Step Seven
Garnish the dish with the freshly chopped parsley just before serving. A great way to enjoy this dish is with a side of warm bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Enjoy your Garides Saganaki!
