**Potted shrimp**, a British seafood dish, is a delightful appetizer or light meal that combines succulent shrimp, flavorful butter, and aromatic herbs. This culinary gem has been enjoyed for centuries, originating in the coastal regions of England. Our article presents two variations of this classic dish, each with its unique charm.
The **Traditional Potted Shrimp** recipe stays true to the original, using fresh, juicy shrimp coated in a rich, velvety butter mixture. This version highlights the natural flavors of the shrimp, complemented by a hint of lemon zest and the subtle warmth of cayenne pepper.
For a more contemporary twist, the **Smoked Salmon and Shrimp Pot** combines the delicate flavors of smoked salmon and succulent shrimp. This variation adds a layer of smokiness and a touch of luxury to the classic dish. Both recipes offer easy-to-follow instructions, ensuring that even novice cooks can create this delectable treat. Whether you prefer the traditional simplicity of the Traditional Potted Shrimp or the elegant fusion of the Smoked Salmon and Shrimp Pot, this article has a recipe that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests.
SPICED POTTED SHRIMP
In the history of British cuisine, potting perishable foods - that is, sealing ingredients in a crock under a thin layer of clarified butter - was a way to preserve them. Thanks to modern refrigeration, preservation is no longer the point, but luscious, buttery potted dishes are still popular throughout Britain. Here, diced shrimp are aggressively seasoned with anchovy, celery seed, lemon zest and garlic before being sealed into ramekins. Potted shrimp is a very rich dish, best served in small quantities with hot toast on the side to melt the solidified butter back into a creamy sauce. Or, scoop out the shrimp and butter and mix it with hot pasta to create an instant scampi-like dish.
Provided by Melissa Clark
Categories finger foods, appetizer
Time 20m
Yield 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Let cook, skimming the foam off the top of the butter, until the white milk solids fall to the bottom of the pan. Carefully pour about half the clarified butter into a measuring cup with a spout and set aside. Leave remaining butter and all those milk solids in the skillet.
- Add anchovy, thyme, lemon zest, mace, salt, pepper, cayenne and celery seed to skillet. Stir in shrimp and cook over medium heat until pink, about 3 minutes. Remove pan from heat and stir in garlic.
- Divide shrimp among 8 ramekins, top with the remaining herbed butter from the skillet and chill until set, about 1 hour.
- Pour reserved clarified butter on top and chill until set, about 15 minutes, or up to 5 days (or freeze for up to 1 month). Remove ramekins from the refrigerator at least 20 minutes to 1 hour before serving with lemon wedges, Tabasco and hot toast.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 350, UnsaturatedFat 11 grams, Carbohydrate 1 gram, Fat 35 grams, Fiber 0 grams, Protein 9 grams, SaturatedFat 22 grams, Sodium 399 milligrams, Sugar 0 grams, TransFat 1 gram
POTTED SHRIMP
Provided by Nancy Harmon Jenkins
Categories easy, quick, condiments, appetizer
Time 25m
Yield Enough for 6 people
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Bring two quarts of water to a rolling boil. Add shrimp, return to the boil and cook briefly, no more than 2 minutes or until shrimp are just cooked through. Remove from heat, drain and run shrimp under cold water to halt the cooking. Set aside to cool. When cool enough to handle, peel shrimp and discard shells.
- Heat two tablespoons of the butter in a pan and saute sliced leek very gently until soft. Place in the bowl of a food processor, add peeled shrimp, dill and remaining butter. Process until well blended. Add half the lemon juice, a little salt and pepper, process again and taste. Add remaining lemon juice and more salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve immediately, with crisp toast fingers or slices of crusty bread.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 145, UnsaturatedFat 3 grams, Carbohydrate 3 grams, Fat 10 grams, Fiber 0 grams, Protein 12 grams, SaturatedFat 6 grams, Sodium 209 milligrams, Sugar 1 gram, TransFat 0 grams
POTTED SHRIMP
Steps:
- 1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon butter. Add the shallots and garlic. Cook, stirring often, for 3 minutes, or until tender. 2. Add shrimp and sprinkle with salt. Cook, tossing the shrimp, for 2 minutes. Add sherry, and cook for 1 minute or until the shrimp are cooked through and sherry has reduced to a Potted shrimp is a British dish once used for preservation. Butter was ladled over cooked shrimp, sealing the crock, and protecting the seafood in much the same way as a French confit protects cooked duck. This version uses less butter and a little cream cheese and can be made a day in advance. Remove the dish from the refrigerator about 1 hour before serving. 4 tablespoons butter, at room temperature 2 shallots, thinly sliced 1 clove garlic, crushed ½ pound (about 15 large) shrimp, peeled and deveined Salt, to taste 2 tablespoons sherry ⅓ cup cream cheese, at room temperature 2 scallions, chopped Grated rind and juice of ½ lemon Pinch of cayenne pepper 1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon butter. Add the shallots and garlic. Cook, stirring often, for 3 minutes, or until tender. 2. Add shrimp and sprinkle with salt. Cook, tossing the shrimp, for 2 minutes. Add sherry, and cook for 1 minute or until the shrimp are cooked through and sherry has reduced to a syrup. Set aside to cool completely. 3. In a food processor, blend the remaining 3 tablespoons butter with the cream cheese. Scrape down the sides of the work bowl. Add scallions, lemon rind and juice, cayenne pepper, and shrimp mixture. Pulse quickly until just combined. Do not work the mixture into a puree. It should be chunky. Taste for seasoning, and add more salt and cayenne, if you like. 4. Transfer to a bowl and press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the mixture. Cover with more plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight. Serve with toast or crackers.
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Do not overcook the shrimp, as this will make them tough.
- Make sure the butter is cold before adding it to the shrimp mixture.
- If you don't have a food processor, you can chop the shrimp and herbs by hand.
- Be sure to taste the shrimp mixture before adding the brandy and cayenne pepper, and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
- Potted shrimp can be served immediately or stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion:
Potted shrimp is a delicious and elegant appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. Serve it with crackers, bread, or vegetables for a satisfying snack or starter. With its creamy texture and delicate flavor, potted shrimp is sure to impress your guests.
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