Introduction
Transform humble shrimp and everyday pantry staples into a dazzling, nutritious Florida Shrimp Pie! This recipe emphasizes fresh, wholesome ingredients, creating a balanced and flavorful meal perfect for a healthy lifestyle. We’ll guide you through making a flaky, homemade crust that perfectly complements the creamy, succulent shrimp filling, all while keeping things simple and delicious.
Why This Works
This Florida Shrimp Pie recipe shines because it balances incredible flavor with ease of preparation. The homemade crust adds a touch of elegance, while the creamy shrimp filling offers a satisfyingly rich and comforting experience. It’s a perfect dish for showcasing fresh, seasonal shrimp while remaining accessible to home cooks of all skill levels. The recipe prioritizes whole foods and minimizes processed ingredients, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
Key Ingredients
- 🍤 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 🥛 1 cup heavy cream
- 🧀 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 🥚 2 large eggs
- 🧅 ½ cup chopped onion
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🌿 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 🌿 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 🧈 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 🧈 ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 🧂 ½ teaspoon salt
- 🧂 ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 🥛 ¼ cup ice water
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
2️⃣ Sauté Vegetables and Shrimp: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in parsley and dill.
3️⃣ Make the Filling: In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, eggs, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cooked shrimp and vegetable mixture and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
4️⃣ Assemble the Pie: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough and fit it into a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges. Pour the shrimp filling into the crust. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.
5️⃣ Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set. Let cool slightly before serving.
Handy Tips
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of cheeses, such as cheddar and Gruyère.
- If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried parsley and ½ teaspoon of dried dill.
- To prevent a soggy bottom, pre-bake the crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling.
Heat Control
Maintaining an even oven temperature is crucial for a perfectly baked pie. Overbaking can lead to a dry crust and a rubbery filling, while underbaking results in a runny filling and a pale crust. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
Crunch Factor
The flaky, buttery crust provides a delightful contrast to the creamy, tender shrimp filling. Achieving a perfectly crisp crust involves using cold ingredients, chilling the dough properly, and baking at the correct temperature.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For a quicker crust, use store-bought pie crust.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling for a subtle kick.
- Garnish with extra fresh herbs before serving for a beautiful presentation.
Storage Tips
Store leftover Florida Shrimp Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This pie makes a wonderful gift! Present it in a beautiful pie carrier or a festive baking tin, adorned with a ribbon and a handwritten card.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Shrimp Pie: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the filling.
🌟 Mediterranean Shrimp Pie: Substitute feta cheese for cheddar and add sun-dried tomatoes and Kalamata olives to the filling.
🌟 Creamy Tomato Shrimp Pie: Stir in ½ cup of chopped roasted tomatoes along with the shrimp and vegetables.
🌟 Lemon Herb Shrimp Pie: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the filling, along with extra fresh herbs.
Troubleshooting
- Soggy Crust: Pre-bake the crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling.
- Overcooked Shrimp: Reduce cooking time for the shrimp to prevent overcooking.
- Runny Filling: Bake for a longer time, or increase oven temperature slightly, until the filling is set.
FAQ
- Can I freeze this pie? Yes, you can freeze the baked pie for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
- What can I substitute for heavy cream? You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the filling will be less rich.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy this delicious and nutritious Florida Shrimp Pie! It’s a perfect dish for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Share your creations with us on social media and tag us – we’d love to see your beautiful pies! Remember, healthy eating can be both delicious and satisfying. Enjoy!
Sunshine State Shrimp Pie: Healthy & Delicious Seafood Delight
A vibrant and nutritious shrimp pie packed with fresh ingredients and bursting with flavor, perfect for a light meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pre-made whole wheat pie crust
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180u00b0C.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sautu00e9 the spinach until wilted.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked shrimp, sautu00e9ed spinach, cherry tomatoes, cottage cheese, mozzarella, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the shrimp mixture into the pre-made pie crust and spread evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve warm.
Tips
- For extra flavor, add a dash of hot sauce to the shrimp mixture.
- You can substitute shrimp with other seafood like crab or scallops for variety.