Greek-Style Shrimp

Shrimp - yum. Feta - yum. Tomatoes - yum.

from Cook's Illustrated, September / October 2010
Makes 4 to 6 servings
Prep and Cook Time: Less than 30 minutes

1-1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed
4 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
3 Tbsp vodka
3/8 tsp anise seed
5 medium cloves garlic, minced (about 5 tsp)
1 tsp grated lemon zest
Salt and pepper, to taste
3/4 C diced onion
1/2 C chopped red bell pepper
1/2 C chopped green bell pepper
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes, drained, 1/3 C juice reserved
1/4 C dry white wine
2 Tbsp fresh parsley, coarsely chopped
6 oz feta, crumbled (about 1-1/2 C)
2 Tbsp fresh dill, chopped

Toss shrimp, 1 tablespoon oil, 1 tablespoon ouzo, 1 teaspoon garlic, lemon zest, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper in small bowl until well combined. Set aside while preparing sauce.

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in 12-inch skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add onion, red and green bell pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon salt and stir to combine. Cover skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables release their moisture, 3 to 5 minutes. Uncover and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until moisture cooks off and vegetables have softened, about 5 minutes longer. Add remaining 4 teaspoons garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add tomatoes and reserved juice, wine, and remaining 2 tablespoons ouzo; increase heat to medium-high and bring to simmer. Reduce heat to medium and simmer, stirring occasionally, until flavors have melded and sauce is slightly thickened (sauce should not be completely dry), 5 to 8 minutes. Stir in parsley and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Reduce heat to medium-low and add shrimp along with any accumulated liquid to pan; stir to coat and distribute evenly. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until shrimp are opaque throughout, 6 to 9 minutes for extra-large or 7 to 11 minutes for jumbo, adjusting heat as needed to maintain bare simmer. Remove pan from heat and sprinkle evenly with feta. Drizzle remaining tablespoon oil evenly over top and sprinkle with dill.

Serve immediately.

My Notes:
This wasn't as delicious as I expected it to be. It wasn't bad; it just wasn't great. Maybe I will try it again, though.