Aunt Lynda's Flavorful Rice Bowl Shrimp 🍤🍚

This delightful dish boasts a medley of rich flavors and vibrant colors that are sure to impress at any gathering. With tender shrimp nestled in a savory tomato sauce, it's not only satisfying but also wonderfully easy to prepare. Serve it in a beautiful rice ring for a stunning presentation that will wow your guests!

Ingredients

For the shrimp mixture

• 3 onions, sliced
• 2/3 cup diced celery
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 2 tablespoons shortening
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 2 cups canned tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 cups cooked shrimp
• 1/3 cup sherry (or vegetable oil)

For the rice

• 3 cups cooked rice

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, heat the shortening over medium heat and sauté the sliced onions and diced celery until browned.
2. Sprinkle in the flour and seasonings, stirring to combine, and cook for another minute to toast the flour.
3. Gradually add water while stirring, and let it simmer for 15 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Introduce the canned tomatoes, wine vinegar, sugar, and shrimp, simmering for an additional 10 minutes, or until the shrimp are heated through. Incorporate sherry just before serving.

🍲 A tip for perfect shrimp: Be sure not to overcook! Shrimp should be heated through and tender; overcooking can make them rubbery.

5. Meanwhile, mold the cooked rice into a ring shape on a serving platter, creating a lovely hollow center.
6. Fill the center of the rice ring with the flavorful shrimp mixture and serve immediately.

🌶️ For extra zing, consider garnishing with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of green onions.

Variations

• Spicy: If you’re a fan of heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the shrimp mixture for a little kick! 🔥
• Vegetarian: Swap out the shrimp for sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas to create a hearty vegetarian dish.
• Coconut flavor: Substitute part of the water with coconut milk for a rich, tropical twist.
• One-pot wonder: For a quick meal, you can add the cooked rice directly into the shrimp mixture and stir until combined, skipping the rice ring.

This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion! Enjoy the explosion of flavors and the beautiful presentation! 🎉🍽️