Contessa Shrimp Scampi Risotto with Asparagus
1. Place frozen shrimp scampi in a single layer in a large
It’s hard to think of anything more satisfying than a skillet. Do this in 2 batches if the pan is too crowded.
delectably creamy mixture of rice, asparagus, green peas, Sauté over medium heat until shrimp turns orange/red
Parmesan cheese and gorgeous shrimp scampi. outside and becomes opaque inside, about 3 minutes each
side. Remove shrimp to a bowl and set aside. Leave the
sauce in the skillet.
2 pounds Contessa Shrimp Scampi*
3 cups Arborio rice (or medium-grain rice)
8-12 cups warm water or fish stock
3 cups asparagus cut in 2-inch lengths
1/2 cup green peas
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper
Basil leaves and lemon wedges for garnish
2. Add the rice to the scampi sauce and stir over medium
heat for 2 minutes, until the rice is coated with sauce and
slightly opaque.
3. Add warm water 1 cup at a time, stirring well between
intervals and waiting until liquid has been absorbed before
adding the next cup of water. Continue until almost all
the liquid has been absorbed, about 20-25 minutes.
4. Add the asparagus, green peas and Parmesan. Cook, stirring
frequently, for 3 minutes, or until the vegetables are cooked.
Add salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
5. Add the shrimp. Serve immediately, garnished with basil
leaves and lemon wedges. Makes 8 servings.
Taking the Luck
Out of Potluck
Ask guests if they are:
1) bringing their dish fully
cooked or if oven time is
needed; 2) using their own
serving plates and utensils;
and 3) providing condiments
and accompaniments such
as crackers for cheese. Also
ask whether there are any
serious food allergies to
keep in mind.
Backup Plan
When hosting a potluck,
always have a backup plan
for that last-minute disaster
or missing guest. The
easiest is to have a package
of continental salad blend
in the refrigerator, good
olive oil, fresh lemons,
crusty bread, ice cream
and chocolate sauce on
hand, and the phone
number of a nearby take-out restaurant.
Decorating Tips
Sunday evening means
casual, so eating in the
family room or kitchen is
just perfect. If you prefer
to be near a fire, add extra
pillows, small tables and
even folding trays. Flowers
can be as trouble-free as
placing orchids and other
flowering plants in the
entertaining area or stuffing
pots of early spring flowers
into baskets scattered on
the sideboard, mantel
and stairs.
*Brands may vary by region; substitute a similar product.
