1-1/2poundsextra-large shrimp21-25 per pound, peeled, deveined and tails removed
3tablespoonsextra-virgin olive oildivided
3tablespoonsouzodivided (see Notes)
5clovesgarlicminced
1teaspoongrated lemon zest~ 1 lemon
1small onionchopped
1red bell pepperchopped
1/2teaspoonred pepper flakes
2poundsfresh tomatoes or 1 28-ounce can diced tomatoeswith either one, drain and reserve 1/3 cup of juice (see Notes)
1/4cupdry white wine
2tablespoonscoarsely chopped fresh parsley
6ouncesfeta cheesecrumbled (~ 1-1/2 cups)
2tablespoonschopped fresh dill
Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Toss shrimp in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of ouzo, 1 teaspoon of garlic (2 cloves), lemon zest, 1/4 teaspoon of salt and a dash of pepper. Set aside.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add onion, red bell pepper and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables release their liquid, about 3 to 5 minutes. Uncover and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until liquid evaporates and vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in remaining garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Stir in tomatoes and reserved juice, wine, and remaining 2 tablespoons ouzo. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld and the sauce is slightly thickened (still liquid and not completely dry), about 5 to 8 minutes.
Stir in the parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Reduce heat to medium-low and add shrimp along with any accumulated juices. Stir to coat and distribute evenly. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are opaque throughout, about 6 to 9 minutes, adjusting the heat as needed to maintain a bare simmer.
Remove from heat, sprinkle with feta and dill.
Serve warm over rice or with crusty bread.
Notes
* You can use smaller shrimp, just adjust the cooking time. * If you don’t have ouzo, you can substitute an equal amount of Pernod. * You may prefer to peel your fresh tomatoes prior to cutting them.