A Culinary Delight: Zucchini Spaghetti with Shrimp in Reykjavik
- Karitas Mitrogogos
- Aug 10
- 3 min read
When I'm invited to dinner at my friend Dora's home in Reykjavik with her sisters, I always feel a wave of excitement. I know a delicious meal awaits, and the chance to catch up with a chat enhances the atmosphere. My most recent visit was just that: a delightful culinary experience filled with laughter and a scrumptious dish—Zucchini Spaghetti with Atlantic shrimp and fresh herbs.
As I stepped into my friend's cozy home in the heart of Reykjavik, the mouthwatering aroma from the kitchen welcomed me. The setting was intimate, infused with warm lights and the unmistakable scent of fresh ingredients that mingled beautifully.
The Star of the Evening: Zucchini Spaghetti
At the heart of the meal was the Zucchini Spaghetti—a dish that has gained popularity among health enthusiasts. My friend skillfully used a spiralizer to transform large fresh zucchinis into thin, noodle-like strands. This creative technique not only added visual appeal but also provided a nutritious alternative to traditional pasta.
Using a spiralizer is an excellent tool for preparing vegetables. Within minutes, regular zucchinis transform into vibrant spirals that absorb sauces and flavors beautifully. The dish becomes a rainbow of green spirals, shimmering enticingly under the kitchen lights, offering a delightful experience.
The Quick & Easy Cooking Process
After spiralizing the zucchinis, they were sprinkled with coarse salt and left to sit for around 5 minutes. Dora then moved them to a large skillet, including the liquid they released, and added approximately two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil (for a serving size of 4 people*). She then briefly cooked the zucchini spaghetti.
Briefly cooking the zucchini spaghetti kept them crunchy and vibrant. This approach resulted in a dish that was light but genuinely satisfying. The addition of fresh herbs, especially basil and parsley, infused the meal with a delightful Mediterranean flavor.
Additions of Atlantic Shrimp
To enhance the Zucchini Spaghetti, Dora included premium Atlantic shrimp, known for their sweet and delicate flavor. Each shrimp was sizable enough to provide a satisfying bite, contributing a significant element to the dish.
Prior to incorporating the shrimp into the zucchini spaghetti, Dora placed the shrimp in a colander to ensure any excess liquid was drained. She then added them to the skillet, cooking the zucchini and shrimp together for approximately 3 minutes, gently stirring them with a wooden tong. By this point, the tantalizing aroma of the dish filled the kitchen, drawing us all swiftly to the dining table.
* For 4 persons, you will need 3 - 4 large zucchinis, coarse sea salt, olive oil, fresh
herbs to taste and 400g peeled Atlantic shrimp + pepper to tase! Furthermore,
if you like, serve this dish with grated parmesan cheese and a salad of choice!
The Dining Experience
As usual, the dining experience at Dora's home was elevated by a simple yet elegant tablescape that truly captured the essence of her taste and attention to detail.
The dining area itself is a cozy enclave, enriched further by the presence of bookshelves that lined the walls, filled with an eclectic collection of literature from around the globe. This literary backdrop not only serves as a conversation starter but also reflects Dora's passion for culture and knowledge, inviting guests to explore the stories and adventures contained within those pages.
At dinner, we delighted in the tasty zucchini spaghetti with shrimp, alongside a delicious tomato and mozzarella salad, freshly baked flatbread, and a refreshing bottle of Greek white wine . . . . turning this meal into a feast that was as visually appealing as it was flavorful.
Reflecting on a Culinary Experience in Reykjavik
As the evening drew to a close, and we savored the last bites of our delightful meal, I realized that this dinner encompassed much more than just food. It represented personal connections, shared experiences, and the joy of enjoying great cooking in a cozy atmosphere.
Reykjavik is not only a city known for its stunning landscapes and rich history; it also brims with culinary treasures waiting to be discovered. Sharing a meal with a friend can change an ordinary night into something unforgettable.
If an opportunity arises to taste Zucchini Spaghetti, especially when made with fresh ingredients like Atlantic shrimp and herbs, take it! This inviting dish encourages sharing and celebrating moments together. So, the next time you're invited to dinner, embrace the experience; you never know how it may turn into a cherished memory.
Until soon again!
Karitas
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