Floribbean Spaghettini with Jerk Shrimp

Ingredients

In this Floribbean adaptation, we infuse the traditional Italian Spaghettini alla Siracusana with the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean. The original dish is transformed by incorporating jerk seasoning and tropical ingredients, such as lime and cilantro, to create a fusion of Italian and Floribbean cuisines. The addition of grilled jerk shrimp adds a spicy and smoky element, elevating the dish to new heights of flavor. We alse have the original recipe for Spaghettini alla Siracusana, so you can check it out.

• 8 oz (225g) spaghettini 8 oz (225g) spaghettini
• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (14 oz/400g) diced tomatoes 1 can (14 oz/400g) diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup (60ml) chicken or vegetable broth 1/4 cup (60ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Lime wedges (for serving) Lime wedges (for serving)

Nutrition

• Calories: 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat: 8g (1g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 52g (8g sugars)
• Protein: 26g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghettini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a bowl, toss the shrimp with jerk seasoning until well coated. Let it marinate for 15 minutes.
3. 3.
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
4. 4.
   Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
5. 5.
   Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the sauce to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Meanwhile, preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly charred.
7. 7.
   Add the cooked spaghettini to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly.
8. 8.
   Serve the spaghettini topped with grilled jerk shrimp. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Shrimp — Make sure to properly devein and remove the shells before marinating. This will ensure the best texture and flavor in the final dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the tomato sauce.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of jerk seasoning used for the shrimp.
• Feel free to add additional vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms to the sauce for added texture and flavor.
• If you don't have a grill, you can cook the shrimp on a stovetop grill pan or under the broiler.
• Serve the dish with a side of fresh tropical fruit salsa for a burst of sweetness and acidity.

Serving advice

Serve the Jerk Shrimp Spaghettini hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Accompany it with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad to complete the meal.

Presentation advice

Plate the spaghettini neatly on individual plates, ensuring the shrimp are evenly distributed. Drizzle a little extra sauce over the top and sprinkle with chopped cilantro for an appealing presentation.