Shrimp and white beans combine with various elegant flavors for a quick, sophisticated dinner that can be prepared with pantry staples. Elizabeth Mervosh, a product tester and recipe developer at Meredith Food Studios in Birmingham, Alabama, shares her recipe expertise.
This delicious shrimp and bean dish not only promises a flavorful meal in under 30 minutes, but also teaches techniques in building flavor with common pantry ingredients. Cannellini beans are the star here, but you can substitute with other varieties like gigante, cranberry beans, or chickpeas for similar results. When garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, butter, and white wine are combined, every bite is infused with rich, savory flavors.
Here’s how to prepare this delightful dish:
– **Ingredients**:
– 2 large lemons
– 2 cans (15 oz. each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
– 1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
– 4 large cloves garlic, finely chopped (about 2 Tbsp.)
– ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
– ¼ cup dry white wine
– 1 pound peeled, deveined large shrimp
– ⅓ cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
– Toasted bread, for serving (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. Remove lemon peel in wide strips using a vegetable peeler, avoiding the white pith. Finely chop the strips to make 1 tablespoon, and transfer them to a medium bowl. Squeeze lemons to yield 3½ tablespoons of juice. Add beans, 3 tablespoons of oil, ¾ teaspoon of salt, and 2 tablespoons lemon juice to the bowl with the chopped lemon peel.
2. In a large skillet, cook garlic, crushed red pepper, 2 tablespoons butter, and the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat, stirring often until the garlic is lightly golden, about 4 minutes. Add wine and cook until reduced by half, approximately 1 minute.
3. Add shrimp and increase heat to medium-high. Cook until shrimp are just opaque, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in parsley, remaining 1½ tablespoons lemon juice, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon butter. Serve over beans with bread, if desired.
