This wonderfully spicy Chorizo and Shrimp with Polenta, is a perfect meal for any time, that’s ready in 30 minutes, so perfect for busy weeknights, too!
I am so pleased to be sharing a dish from Jennifer Farley’s new cookbook The Gourmet Kitchen. You may know Jennifer from her blog Savory Simple, where she shares wonderful recipes with absolutely beautiful photos. And of course, her cookbook is very much an extension of all those great things.
I absolutely loved the variety of recipes in this book. From drinks, to appetizers, to main courses and delicious desserts. There is something for everything from everyday eating to special recipes for entertaining. Jennifer and I clearly have very similar taste in food (maybe it’s the name? :), because I plan to try just about everything in this book and I can’t wait!
It was so hard to pick a first recipe to cook and share with you here, but I decided on this Spicy Chorizo and Shrimp with Polenta. It’s a great weeknight meal, as it’s ready in just 30 minutes and it’s packed with flavour! The shrimp and chorizo and quickly sauteed with garlic, paprika, coriander and cumin and spooned on top of creamy polenta. I LOVED this dish and it will be on repeat in my kitchen, for sure.
If you are looking for a great cookbook gift for a food lover in your life this holiday season, The Gourmet Kitchen would be a great choice. It features accessible, creative recipes that are perfect for any special event, every season or just what to make for dinner tonight.
Thanks so much Jennifer for the opportunity to review your new cookbook. It is absolutely beautiful and inspiring and it will be well used in my own kitchen :)
Get the Recipe: Spicy Chorizo and Shrimp with Polenta
Ingredients
For the polenta:
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt, (a bit less if using fine salt)
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
For the shrimp and chorizo:
- 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 4 links fully cooked chorizo , (about 12oz.), cut in to 1/2-inch slices
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup water , or chicken stock for deglazing pan
- 1 lb uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- For the polenta: In a Dutch oven or large heavy-bottomed pan, bring the stock, water, milk, salt and pepper to a boil over high heat. Slowly whisk in the cornmeal and reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered, stirring frequently, for 25-30 minutes.
- While the polenta is cooking, heat the oil over medium heat in a skillet. Add the paprika, coriander, cumin and salt. Stir to create a paste and allow to cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the chorizo and cook, stirring, until browned, about 2 minutes. Remove chorizo from the pan to a plate. If skillet seems dry, add a bit more oil. Add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring. Pour the water or stock in to the pan to deglaze, using a spatula to scrape up and stir any brown bits. After the liquid has reduced slightly, add the shrimp. Cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove the pan from the heat and return the cooked chorizo to the pan, stirring well. Set aside until ready to eat.
- When polenta is ready, remove from heat and stir in the butter. Taste for seasoning and add additional salt and pepper, if desired.
- To serve, spoon polenta in to bowl and top with the chorizo and shrimp. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley, if desired.
Great to find this in today’s email.
Quick question – can the polenta be made ahead and re-warmed?
Hi Jane and yes, you can make the polenta ahead. You may need to re-hydrate it with a bit of stock or water (just enough to loosen – 1/4-1/3 cup-ish), then reheat covered in the oven or microwave. Whisk before serving and you’re good to go :)
Is this made with Mexican chorizo or dry cured Spanish chorizo?
Hi Jennifer, The Spanish fully-cooked/semi-cured is best I think. It’s softer than the dry cured varied.
This looks super easy but also super flavorful, my family would love it!
Thanks Sara and while I call it “Spicy”, it’s not hot spicy, just flavourful spicy, so should be pretty kid friendly :)
Wow, this looks fantastic and the cookbook sound wonderful. This is company fare made easy!
Thanks Chris! It was such a lovely dish. We both enjoyed it, but my husband really enjoyed it. He loves the combination of spicy and meat :)