Eating seafood on Good Friday is a tradition that's been around for centuries, and for good reason. Whether you're honouring your faith or simply looking for a healthy and delicious meal, seafood is always a great choice. And with dishes like shrimp scampi, it's easy to see why. So go ahead and indulge in a little seafood this Good Friday – your taste buds (and your soul) will thank you.
It's not hard to see why seafood is the go-to meal for many on Good Friday. It's a day when many Christians abstain from eating meat, and seafood provides a delicious and healthy alternative. But there's more to it than that. Good Friday has a long history of being associated with seafood, and it all goes back to ancient times.
In the early days of the Christian church, many of the followers were fishermen. Fish became a symbol of their faith, and it was often eaten as a way to celebrate holy days. This tradition was passed down through the centuries, and today, many cultures around the world still eat fish on Good Friday. But why specifically seafood? Well, there are a few reasons. For one, it's a symbol of sacrifice. Jesus Christ, who many believe to be the son of God, sacrificed himself for the sins of humanity. Eating seafood on Good Friday is a way to remember that sacrifice and to honour the traditions of the early Christian church.
Seafood is also a healthy and sustainable option. It's high in protein, low in fat, and full of essential vitamins and minerals. Plus, many types of seafood are caught or farmed in environmentally-friendly ways, making it a responsible choice for those who care about the planet.
Shrimp scampi is a dish that's beloved by seafood enthusiasts and Italian food lovers alike. The combination of succulent shrimp, garlic, butter, white wine, and lemon juice creates a rich and flavorful sauce that's perfect for soaking up with a piece of crusty bread. Some variations of the dish also incorporate herbs like parsley, oregano, or basil for an extra layer of flavour. This classic dish is versatile enough to be served as an appetizer, a main course, or even as a topping for pasta dishes.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ cup dry white wine
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Linguine, cooked according to package instructions
Method:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant.
- Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they're pink and cooked through.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the white wine and lemon juice to the skillet and bring to a simmer.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has reduced by about half.
- Add the shrimp back to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Add the chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the shrimp scampi over cooked linguine.