Featured Recipe: Salsa Shrimp and Broccoli Rice


Copyright Linda Gassenheimer

No time for food shopping? Keep frozen shrimp, a bottle of tomato salsa, rice and frozen broccoli on hand for a no-fuss dinner. I prefer mild salsa in this recipe.  If you like more fire, use a medium or hot salsa.  For this dinner, toss the shrimp with the salsa and cook the broccoli and linguine together.  I like to keep pine nuts on hand to add extra zip to recipes.  Store them in the refrigerator or freezer.

Most of the shrimp we buy is frozen and then defrosted for sale. Ask for shrimp that is still frozen in the seafood department, or go to the freezer case for the shrimp. I always have some on hand for quick dinners.

If you have parsley or cilantro in the fridge, sprinkle it on top for an added flavor and color.

Recipes

SALSA SHRIMP

Olive oil spray

3/4 pound shelled shrimp

1 cup tomato salsa

3 tablspoons pine nuts

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Spray with olive oil spray.  Add the shrimp and salsa.  Cook 2 to 3 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink. Sprinkle pine nuts on top.  Makes 2 servings.

BROCCOLI RICE

1/2 cup 10-minute brown rice

1/2 pound frozen broccoli

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Bring a large saucepan filled with water to a boil.  Add the brown rice and boil 5 minutes.  Add the broccoli and continue to boil 5 minutes.  Drain and toss with olive oil and salt and pepper to taste. Makes 2 servings.

Nutrition Information

SALSA SHRIMP: Per serving: 313 calories (32 percent from fat), 11.2 g fat (1.8 g saturated, 2.9 g monounsaturated), 258 mg cholesterol, 39.5 g protein, 12.5 g carbohydrates, 2.4 g fiber, 809 mg sodium. BROCCOLI RICE: Per serving: 249 calories (23 percent from fat), 6.3 g fat (1.0 g saturated, 3.8 g monounsaturated), no cholesterol, 7.6 g protein, 42.6 g carbohydrates, 5.5 g fiber, 39 mg sodium.

Shopping List

To buy: Olive oil spray, 3/4 pound shelled shrimp, 1 jar tomato salsa, 1 small package pine nuts, 1 box 10-minute brown rice and 1 small package frozen broccoli.

Staples: Olive oil, salt and black peppercorns.

Helpful Hints

  • Scallops can be substituted for the shrimp.
  • Any type of green vegetable can be used (green beans, zucchini, peas)
  • Any type of salsa can be used.
  • Pasta can be used instead of rice.

Countdown:

  • Start rice.
  • Make shrimp.
  • Complete rice dish.