Peppered Shrimps with a Nigerian Twist

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) large shrimps, peeled and deveined 500g (1.1 lb) large shrimps, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 red bell peppers, finely chopped 2 red bell peppers, finely chopped
• 2 scotch bonnet peppers, finely chopped 2 scotch bonnet peppers, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, blended into a puree 2 tomatoes, blended into a puree
• 1 teaspoon crayfish powder 1 teaspoon crayfish powder
• 1 teaspoon Nigerian curry powder 1 teaspoon Nigerian curry powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 8g, 4g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the shrimps, crayfish powder, Nigerian curry powder, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the shrimps evenly. Let them marinate for 15-20 minutes.
2. 2.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the chopped red bell peppers and scotch bonnet peppers to the skillet. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the peppers are slightly softened.
4. 4.
   Pour in the tomato puree and stir well to combine with the peppers and onions. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Gently add the marinated shrimps to the skillet, along with any remaining marinade. Stir to coat the shrimps with the sauce.
6. 6.
   Reduce the heat to low and let the shrimps simmer in the sauce for 5-7 minutes, or until they are cooked through and opaque.
7. 7.
   Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed.
8. 8.
   Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve hot with rice or crusty bread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Shrimps — Make sure to thoroughly clean and devein the shrimps before marinating them. This will ensure a clean and delicious final dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra spicy kick, add more scotch bonnet peppers to the sauce.
• Serve the Peppered Shrimps with a side of fried plantains for a delicious combination of flavors.
• If you prefer a milder version, remove the seeds from the scotch bonnet peppers before chopping them.
• Adjust the cooking time based on the size of the shrimps to ensure they are cooked just right.
• Feel free to experiment with different types of seafood, such as prawns or lobster, to create your own twist on this dish.

Serving advice

Serve the Peppered Shrimps hot with a side of steamed rice or crusty bread. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for added freshness and color.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Peppered Shrimps on a platter, with the vibrant red sauce drizzled over them. Sprinkle some additional chopped cilantro on top for an appealing presentation.