This pandemic has been tough. Being alone, isolated has been difficult. Most mornings I ask myself, “What you going to do today Jude?”
In the beginning I was full of purpose. I made two flower planters, painted the trim on the garage. But slowly a heavy blanket of ennui encased me. The voice in my head kept repeating, “Why bother?”
That’s why I was so happy that my family suggested that we cook together, ‘pandemic together’, aka Zoom or Skype.
Finally, a project that involved people, real people.
I wanted to show how easy some meals can be. Lesson one started with this chop and dump recipe. It’s quite versatile in that you can add just about anything. The first time I made it I put it over arugula, many in my family put it over pasta. The choice is yours.
Another bonus is that all the ingredients are readily found at Trader Joe’s.
I hope you have as much fun as we did making it.
Ingredients
- 1 onion sliced
- 4 cloves of garlic sliced (it’s perfectly fine to use prechopped garlic in a jar. If using, 1 T)
- 1 container of cherry tomatoes or three tomatoes
- ½ bag of arugula, or spinach or green of your choice.
- 1 pound frozen shrimp defrosted and cleaned. You can
- 1 bag frozen artichokes defrosted
- Olive oil
- ½ jar of black olives halved
- 1 Cup white wine
- Feta cheese already crumbled
- Starch of your choice if you are using—orzo, linguini, rice
Instructions
- Slice onion and garlic, half olives
- If using cherry tomatoes slice in half. If using regular tomatoes cut into eighths
- Heat pan, add olive oil, let it heat up, add onion and garlic, saute for a minute or so.
- Add artichokes,
- Add a cup of white
- Cook for about 2 minutes then reduce heat to medium
- Add tomatoes and shrimp. If the liquid in the pan doesn’t cover the ingredients add water or more wine. Bring to gentle simmer cook until shrimp are cooked on one side, then turn the shrimp and cook other side.
- Add olives. Taste broth add salt and pepper as needed. Once shrimp are cooked place mixture over arugula or pasta or whatever. Sprinkle with feta.
- DONE!
Thanks Jude!!! Was wondering what to make for dinner tonight… this is perfect! I know how you feel by the way…I’m finding it increasingly more difficult being alone. I mean, Daizy and The Cheese sure help but there is only so much banana bread a person can make! xoxo
I love your blog. LOVE IT.
-janie
This is far more sophisticated than a “chop and dump”recipe! It’s good to hear from you again here. GREG
I agree with Greg, still easy, but not a “dump” recipe by any stretch of the imagination. Glad you are doing well, Judy! Hope this is all over soon!
Ooooh that looks so delicious. I think I have most of the ingredients and can’t wait to try this. Miss you!
And just like that, you sail back in! Well done Jude!
Looks delicious, healthy and fresh. Love the two glasses of wine with one plate. I like the commitment to the accompanying beverage!
Fabulous as the weather warms. I haven’t been to TJ’s since 3/13. Time to stand in line!
I was so excited to see you back in action on your site. Recipe looks and sounds super delicious, and such a fun lesson! Miss you! xoxo Valentina
I keep looking at this recipe I will have to make this, for I like all of the ingredients in the recipe..
Great recipe.. but.. this being a personal pet peeve of mine and my family members, we really wish food bloggers would keep in mind you have readers from around the world checking out your recipes and blogs with not too many of them having a Trader Joe’s to shop at or in some cases not having heard of Trader joes.