SHRIMP SCAMPI WITH LINGUINI

Scampi sounds Italian, and it is; it’s the plural of scampo, a type of Adriatic lobster-like shellfish.   

For generations, Italians have enjoyed the simple classic: gamberi alla casalinga (home-style shrimp), which is a straightforward combination of shrimp sautéed in olive oil with garlic, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice. Scampo was also prepared this way.

In North America, scampi refers to an Italian-American cooking technique for shrimp, using the gamberi alla casalinga concept plus butter and white wine.  Known as Shrimp Scampi, it is one sweet dish.

Shrimp Scampi                                            Serves 6

 

Ingredients:

1 lb (450Gms) Linguini plus salt for boiling
1 1/2 Lbs (750G) large shrimp, shelled and deveined

Salt & black pepper
4 Tbs butter

½ tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, peeled and finely chopped
½ cup dry white wine
Juice of 1/2 lemon
4 Tbs flat-leaf  parsley, finely chopped
1 Tbs grated lemon zest

Pinch of red pepper flakes

Method:

• Bring a big pot of water to boiling
• Add salt, the linguine and stir thoroughly
• Boil the linguine as package directs till al dente (slightly firm)
• Season the shrimp with salt and pepper

• Heat a large skillet hot, then add the oil and butter
• As the butter melts, add the shrimp evenly distributed
• Leave untouched for a minute
• Add the garlic and cook it one minute, watch that it doesn’t burn

• Turn the shrimp and cook them for two more minutes, adjust the flame if necessary
• Transfer the now pink shrimp to a bowl

• Put the skillet back on the flame and add the wine and lemon juice

• Boil the liquid 2 minutes to reduce the sauce
• Scrape the bottom to loosen any browned bits
• Stir in the parsley and the lemon zest
• Taste for seasoning and adjust accordingly

• When the linguine is finished cooking, drain it
• Dish out the linguine
• Divide the Scampi over the linguine, toss to combine and serve

If you choose to, you could accompany this luscious Scampi with a salad and crusty bread; which would be good to mop up the sauce.

You don’t have to rent a villa overlooking the Adriatic to enjoy this sensational shrimp preparation, make it soon and enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean.