Ackees are used to make a creamy cheese free callaloo pesto. Combined with sautéed shrimp, peppers and penne; it’s a quick and easy main dish.
The photos used in this post are courtesy Linstead Market Jamaica. This recipe aired on Nyammings in 2018. Click here for a roundup of all the recipes from the show.
This callaloo pesto is based on my basil pesto recipe, but instead of basil, callaloo is used. This was the main course I made on “Nyammings” on behalf of Linstead Market Jamaica. I do love the convenience of the canned callaloo but if you have time you could steam or sauté the callaloo first then proceed with the recipe.
How to freeze sauces
What’s great about pestos is that you can make a large batch and freeze it. My favorite way to freeze pestos, tomato paste, homemade sauces and even coconut milk, is using ice trays! I either pour or pipe the item into the ice trays. Once they’re frozen I pop them out and store them in freezer bags till I need them. So if I’m making a stew and want a little tomato paste I drop a cube from the freezer into the pot and same for coconut milk. If I do need it thawed before using in the recipe like with pesto, I’ll put it in the refrigerator the night before so it’s thawed out by the time I need it.
You may or may not use all the pesto this recipe makes; it depends on how saucy you like your pasta. Aside from pasta, I love pesto in a grilled cheese sandwich. A dollop on fish is delicious and sometimes I even stir pesto into scrambled eggs.
How to make dinner in 30 minutes or less
To make dinner in 30 minutes or less is all about being prepared. To win this recipe:
- Start by bringing your pasta water to a boil. Tip: cover the pot, it’s more energy efficient and the water comes to boil faster.
- Next up: season the shrimp. Tip: This can be done a day ahead, just take it out at the same time as you start boiling the water so that not completely cold going into the pot. If you’re subbing chicken use tenders that are cut in thin strips as they will cook faster.
- Make the pesto. By this time the water should be coming up to a boil
- Chop the peppers and any other veggies that you like. I chose peppers because they cook very fast. I like to have them on the crunchy side so I don’t even give them that long on the heat.
- Drop the pasta in the water and set a timer for you desired doneness. Get your strainer ready and set up in the sink.
- When the pasta has 2 more minutes left. Heat the oil, cook the shrimp and peppers.
- The hot pasta will help finish off the shrimp cooking. Add in the pesto, then serve!
What are some of your timesaving kitchen tips?
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Until next time, thanks for stopping by 😊
Callaloo Pesto Penne with Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 box Penne pasta, cooked al dente (I used Barilla pasta)
- 1/2 cup Reserved water from cooking the pasta
- 1 Red bell pepper cut into strips
- 1 tbsp Oil coconut olive, canola etc, use whatever you like
For the shrimp:
- 1 lb Shrimp peeled and deveined whatever size you like
- 2 cloves Garlic finely minced I like to grate mine on a zester
- Salt red pepper flakes and pepper to taste
For the Pesto:
- 1 can Linstead Market Jamaica Callaloo drained
- 1 cup Linstead Market Jamaica Ackee about half the can
- 1/3 cup Pumpkin Seeds
- 3 cloves Garlic
- 2 to 4 tbsps Olive Oil
- Splash of lemon juice optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Season the shrimp:
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Mix the minced garlic with salt to make a paste.
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Rub the garlic paste over the shrimp and sprinkle with red pepper flakes and pepper if using. Set aside while you make the pesto.
Make the pesto:
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Blend all the pesto ingredients in a food processor till fairly smooth.
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Start with the lesser quantity of oil and add more if needed
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Taste and adjust seasoning.
To finish:
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Heat oil in a large saute pan (I actually like to use a wok since it’s usually the biggest pot I have)
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Add shrimp in one layer and cook till just starting to turn pink. Add red peppers and cook briefly.
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Add pasta then some of pesto and cook till heated through. If necessary, add some of the reserved cooking water a little at a time to thin the sauce out. You may or may not use all the pesto depending on how saucy you like the finished dish.
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If desired: sprinkle with more red pepper flakes and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil
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Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Recipe Notes:
You can use chicken instead of shrimp
Make it vegan! Omit the shrimp all together and add beans and/or more veggies like mushrooms or broccoli