Seared Shrimp with Red Bean Relish

Makes: 8 servings

Prep: 30 mins
Cook: 1 hr 30 mins
Stand: 8 hrs

Ingredients

1 pound dried red or pinto beans
Water
2 pounds medium shrimp, peeled
2 tablespoons Creole seasoning*
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
1 small red onion, chopped fine
2 tablespoons minced shallots
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
red pepper sauce
Lemon wedges

Directions

1. Soak beans overnight in water to cover by 2 inches. Drain. Combine beans with fresh water to cover by 2 inches in large sauce pot and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer covered just until tender, 1-1/2 hours. Drain, rinse, and refrigerate.

2. Meanwhile, toss shrimp with Creole seasoning in medium bowl. Cover and refrigerate 2 to 6 hours.

3. For bean relish, combine cooled beans with bell peppers, onion, lemon juice, shallots, oil, thyme, garlic, salt, black pepper, and pepper sauce in large bowl; toss to combine.

4. Heat large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add half of the shrimp to skillet in single layer; cook 1 minute. Turn shrimp over. Add 2/3 cup water and continue cooking, shaking pan, until shrimp are opaque throughout, 2 to 3 minutes more. Transfer to bowl. Wipe out pan and repeat with remaining shrimp and 2/3 cup more water.

5. Mound bean relish on 8 dinner plates. Arrange shrimp on top. Serve with lemon wedges. Makes 8 servings.

Note

* Creole seasoning is available in many supermarkets and specialty stores. To make your own, combine 4 teaspoons paprika, 1 tablespoon each salt and garlic powder, and 2 teaspoons each dried oregano, dried thyme, onion powder, and ground black and red pepper. Makes 1/4 cup.