Chef Bihi Cassolette of Scampi with Fennel and Pastis
This recipe has become a cherished dish during festive gatherings, and it can easily become a highlight in your family’s culinary tradition. With its rich flavors and delightful aroma, it’s hard to resist trying your hand at this exquisite dish. Are you ready to impress your guests and family with your cooking skills? Let’s get started!
Recipe Information
- Servings: 4
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 24 scampi (from MSC-certified fisheries)
- 400 ml of cooking cream
- 1 teaspoon of tomato paste
- 10 ml of pastis
- 1 shallot, minced
- 1 bulb of fennel, diced
- ½ fish stock cube
- 1 good baguette of bread
- 25 grams of butter
- 1 pinch of fleur de sel (sea salt)
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Defrost the scampi and remove their shells.
- Finely chop the shallot.
- Dice the fennel.
- In a pan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Add the shallot and sauté until it becomes translucent.
- Add the scampi and cook for 1 minute on each side.
- Flambé the dish with pastis to enhance the flavors.
- Pour in the cooking cream, tomato paste, fish stock cube, salt, pepper, and fennel.
- Cook on high heat for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot, allowing everyone to dip good bread into the delectable sauce.
Notes
For an extra touch, consider adding a splash of white wine when flambéing the scampi. It’ll further enrich the flavor profile of the dish.
Recipe Tips
- Ensure the scampi are fresh to elevate the dish’s overall taste.
- Pair this dish with a crisp white wine for a complete culinary experience.
- Adjust the seasoning to your preference; feel free to add herbs like parsley for freshness.
Nutritional Information
Approximately 300 calories per serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use frozen scampi for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen scampi, but make sure to fully thaw them before cooking for the best texture.
2. What can I substitute for pastis?
If you don’t have pastis, you can use Pernod or any anise-flavored liqueur as a substitute.
3. How can I make this dish healthier?
You can substitute heavy cream with light cream or a dairy-free alternative to reduce calories and fat content.
4. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce in advance and cook the scampi just before serving.
5. What side dishes pair well with this cassolette?
A light salad or a side of roasted vegetables complements this dish beautifully.
