Garlic Shrimp with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

This main-dish recipe is quick and easy! Round out this meal by serving it over polenta, brown rice, whole grain pasta, or spaghetti squash, and serving a side of veggies.

There are many flavor possibilities for this dish. You can crumble feta, chevre, or veggie cheese over the top. Change the flavors by mixing in some fresh herbs, such as basil, thyme, or oregano. Have fun and experiment in the kitchen; who says you can’t play with your food!

Garlic Shrimp with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Makes 4 servings

12-16 oz raw shrimp, peeled

1-2 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups roasted red peppers from jar*

1/4 cup canned coconut milk or plain, unsweetened non-dairy yogurt

1/2 teaspoon bouillon paste (optional for flavor; if you can’t find a healthy bouillon paste, use 1/2 teaspoon onion powder and 1/4 teaspoon sea salt)

1-1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon or lime juice

1 clove garlic, minced

Seasonings of choice (I used chipotle chili powder and creole seasoning)

Heat a skillet on medium heat and add some coconut oil. When the pan is hot, add in shrimp and minced garlic and other seasonings you like. Watch your salt, though. Most store bought shrimp has a sodium solution in it so you don’t want to add too much salt, if any.
Meanwhile, put the roasted peppers, coconut milk, garlic, lime juice, and spices in a blender and puree until smooth. Transfer to a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over low heat.
The shrimp are done cooking when they are pink and opaque. Serve shrimp over your favorite side (such as polenta, pasta, brown rice, or spaghetti squash) topped with pepper sauce. Enjoy!

*This is the quick and easy version. If you want a more robust flavor and have the time, you can make this sauce with fresh roasted red peppers. You can do this by broiling red peppers or holding them over an open flame to char and bubble the skin. Place them in a plastic bag for a few minutes to sweat. Remove the charred skin and seeds by scraping with a knife, and use for the recipe! If you use fresh peppers, you can probably skip the lemon juice.