Shrimp Stew with Spaghetti

We sometimes are looking for that meal that is simple but when served up is like a treat. Shrimp Stew and Spaghetti is one of such meals as almost all the ingredients can be prepared ahead of time . The hard shell shrimp is in season now in Nigeria. Particularly if you live in the coastal towns in Nigeria like Lagos, Port Harcourt , Calabar etc. You will find shrimps in the fish section of the market. You can also make this dish with frozen shrimps which is available in shops.

Shrimps are a good source of iodine  which helps the body regulate the rate at which the body consumes energy; zinc helps production of new hair and skin cells and copper helps to improve the health of your hair. Shrimps  are also high in cholesterol . Cholesterol is not all bad as they help with cell repair, brain function, hormone balance etc. But as with all foods moderation is key!

You can dress the shrimps  in advance so you reduce the preparation time.  It actually takes about ten minutes to dress your shrimps.
I always recommend that you have ground, boiled tomatoes/ pepper blend in your freezer all the time. It is one of those time saving preparations when you  are cooking Nigerian Stew which many of us cook quite regularly.
I am using Partminger to add that real flavorful twist to my Shrimp Stew. Partminger  is a herb you can grow easily in your compound. It does quite well in old plastic buckets. It is a very low maintenance plant. Next time you visit a friend who has dried seeds take some for planting. Partminger is one the herbs that suits most sea foods.
As you will notice I left the trimmed shrimp head on, I enjoy chewing this and also have the benefit of the calcium. Eating the shrimps with my hands and peeling the skin as you eat is also part of the fun of the meal , this is why I leave the shell on . But if you find the head or skin a bother then peel these off before cooking.  Serve this  stew with Spaghetti.So here we go with the recipe

Recipe for Shrimp Stew

4 cooking spoons Tomatoes/ pepper blend( boiled)
1 medium size Onion
20 pieces Shrimp( dressed)
2 cooking spoons Vegetable oil
1/2 Crayfish seasoning tablet
1/2 handful Partmenger
Salt to taste

Method
Chop  the onion and set aside
Heat up the oil and add the  Onion and fry for 2 minutes
Add the Tomato/ Pepper blend and seasoning and fry about 6 minutes till  dry and oil starts to float on top.
Next pour in  the shrimps and cook for about 10minutes
Add the Partminger . Cook for 2 minutes
Serve with Spaghetti or rice