If you have given up meat during this time like I have, what would be something you’d feel like eating? I know that I have looked for many alternatives that will satisfy me like meat does and I think I found the perfectly fresh and delectable combination that can hold me off until I can eat my favorite meat again.
I am currently loving how tasty shrimp with citrus rice can be. While I have always been a big fan of lentil soup during lent-especially when it’s made to perfection-I stumbled across this recipe of shrimp with citrus rice and just fell in love.
What makes my mouth water over this dynamic recipe? The combination of rice with shrimp is already a good one, and one reason why paella is famous all over the world. While citrus rice is nothing like the rice in paella, the idea of combining this seafood with what is one of my favorite kinds of starches makes for a delectable blend that I love to make over and over again.
It’s the way that the citrus in the rice makes you think of a day at sea while the acidity contrasts perfectly with the savory flavor of delectably cooked shrimp. There are different forms of shrimp and citrus rice, but the result is always the same: freshness in every bite.
When the shrimp is cooked correctly, it can give you that feeling of eating meat, with the warm flavors melting in your mouth and the satisfaction in every bite. I once dreaded the idea of lent, knowing that I’d have to give up something that I loved and it has almost always been meat. I’m happy I have found alternatives that make this time a tad bit easier to get through yet don’t hinder me following the rules of lent. Don’t get me wrong, the whole idea is to sacrifice something you love. It’s not meat, but it is definitely a great alternative.
I remember when I was younger, my mom used to make a lot of lentil soups and beans during lent and while I loved the way that she cooked, I missed having something to chew on. For years, I settled with the idea of soups galore and endured when this part of the year rolled around. Until, one day I went to visit a friend who was also struggling with the absence of meat in her life. She was cooking dinner for her husband and three kids while I was in town and invited me to spend an afternoon with her. This is when my life changed. Well that’s a little dramatic, but you know what I mean.. Haha!
She had made citrus rice paired with the tastiest shrimp I have ever had. My soul was craving the taste of good protein and she had provided the most amazing meal for us. I, of course, could not leave without asking her for the recipe.
Now when I give up meat I love to have a special meal at the end of every week where I get to enjoy one of the most delicious meals of all time. It’s a meal that I cook for my family and friends and one that I save in a way for a kind of celebration. It holds me over until I can eat meat once again and in fact, makes it so that sometimes I don’t even miss it.
It isn’t a difficult meal to prepare and for that, I’m grateful. Making a special dinner doesn’t have to be complicated and I tell you what, my friends all love this meal just as much as I do. I don’t know where you may live, but it can get quite cold in my area of the country and the freshness and comfort of this dynamic combination is just perfect for chilly days.
In fact, I don’t just prepare this meal during lent but I find it to be the perfect reward for a week well done. My family loves it so much that we’ve designated a specific day for our shrimp with citrus rice meal. Sometimes I stick to my tried and proven recipe and sometimes I switch things up and add special additions to this meal that has become a staple in my household.
Best of all, this meal is a nutritious option for health-conscious households. You can use brown rice if you’re opposed to eating white rice and the protein from the shrimp is ideal. While not every citrus rice calls for the addition of tomatoes and avocado, for those that do, these fresh fruits are also good for you. Have you ever made shrimp and citrus rice? If so, I’d love to hear about your recipe. I always love adding unique touches to my favorite dish to surprise my guests or family.
While I love the religious reasons for why we eat soups and other meat alternatives and I think both the reason and lentils are healthy for me, it doesn’t mean that I don’t miss eating my favorite meat dishes. It’s one reason why we give up things we hold dear, and missing it is part of the “sacrifice.” But, I still do love to find alternatives that are ideal for lent and my beliefs while also allowing me to enjoy some great foods.
What do you enjoy making during lent? Have you found a recipe that makes giving up some of your favorite foods a bit easier and doesn’t hinder you from respecting lent? I still make plenty of lentil and legume recipes throughout lent but shrimp with citrus rice is certainly a favorite that I make a priority, at least once a week. Do you have a meal that is something your family or friends look forward to at lent? I’d love to hear about it.
Ingredients For Shrimp:
- Shrimp (1 Pound. Peeled and Deveined)
- Lemon (Half lemon Juiced)
- Parsley (1/2 Cup Chopped)
- Garlic (4 Cloves)
- Paprika (1 Tablespoon)
- Olive Oil (2 Tablespoons)
Ingredients For Rice:
- Rice (1 Cup of Basmati Rice)
- Olive Oil (2 Tablespoons)
- Citrus Juice (1/2 Cup. Mixture of orange juice and lemon)
- Water (1/2 Cup)
- Parsley (1/2 Cup, Chopped)
- Salt (1/4 Teaspoon)
Directions For Shrimp:
- In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, lemon juice, parsley, garlic, paprika and olive oil. Mix and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Sauté the shrimp with 2 tablespoons of olive oil for 3-5 minutes.
Directions For Rice:
- Rinse your rice with a strainer.
- In a small saucepan with a lid, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Basmati rice requires 1/1 ratio. So 1cup liquid and 1 cup of rice.
- On high heat, add 1/2 cup of citrus juice and 1/2 cup of water.
- When the liquid boils, add 1/4 teaspoon of salt and the cup of rice.
- Turn heat to low and cover the pot with its lid.
- This should take approximately 12-15 minutes. Do not remove lid.
- When water has dissolved and rice is cooked, add the parsley.
- Combine the rice and shrimp.
Enjoy 🙂
