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Callaloo with shrimp in a saucepan on the stove

Jamaican Callaloo With Shrimp

Sautéed callaloo greens and shrimp in garlicky, aromatic herbs make this a comforting, flavorful Caribbean dish.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Caribbean Classics, Seafood & Fish, Side Dishes, Spring Recipes, Summer Recipes, Weeknight Dinners
Cuisine Jamaican

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb callaloo greens or substitute spinach/amaranth
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves garlic thinly sliced
  • 1 onion or scallion whites, sliced
  • 2 scallions chopped
  • 3-4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 Scotch Bonnet peppers remove before serving
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
  • 1 tomato chopped

Instructions
 

  • Wash, trim, and chop the callaloo into ribbons. If using the stems, use only tender ones and scrape off some of the outer skin. Set aside.
    callaloo cut into ribbons
  • Thinly slice the garlic, and chop the onion, scallion, tomato, and Scotch bonnet pepper.
  • Heat oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, black pepper, and scallion. Reduce heat to low and sauté for 3–4 minutes.
    onion, garlic, black pepper and scallion heating in a pan on the stove
  • Stir in shrimp (if using precooked, rinse and squeeze out excess moisture). Cook for 3 minutes. For fresh shrimp, cook for 3 minutes, remove, and set aside; return them during the final few minutes of cooking.
    Added shrimp
  • Increase heat to medium-high and add the callaloo, tomato, thyme, and Scotch bonnet. Stir to combine; the greens will wilt down.
    callaloo added to pan
  • Add water and simmer uncovered for about 10–12 minutes or until callaloo reaches your desired tenderness.
  • Taste and adjust salt as needed. Optional: Finish with a splash of lemon juice to balance the flavors. Stir to combine and cook off any excess liquid.
    sliced lemon on counter
  • Add reserved shrimp if using fresh. Stir in scallions. Serve hot.
    Liquid burning of the callaloo and shrimp mixture
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