Diabetes Quick Fix: Add rice to Shrimp Saganaki for a one-pot meal

Saganaki is a traditional Greek dish named for the unique pan it is cooked in. This version is shrimp sauteed with onion, celery and tomatoes and then topped with feta cheese. / C.W. Griffin/Miami Herald/MCT
Saganaki is a traditional Greek dish named for the unique pan it is cooked in. This version is shrimp sauteed with onion, celery and tomatoes and then topped with feta cheese. / C.W. Griffin/Miami Herald/MCT

Saganaki is a traditional Greek dish. Shrimp is sautéed with onion, celery and tomatoes and topped with feta cheese. Fresh herbs add a refreshing touch. I've added rice to make it a complete one-pot meal.

The dish takes its name from the shallow, two-handled pan it is cooked in, called a saganaki.

HELPFUL HINTS

* You can use any type of fresh herbs. If using a strong one, such as rosemary, add the whole sprig and remove it before serving the dish.

* You can find minced garlic in the produce section of the market.

* Slice vegetables in a food processor.

SHOPPING LIST

* To buy: 3/4 pound peeled shrimp, 1 package reduced-fat feta cheese, 1 package quick-cooking brown rice, 1 red onion, 1 bunch celery, 4 plum tomatoes, 1 bunch basil, 1 bunch mint and 1 bunch sage.

* Staples: olive oil, minced garlic, salt and black peppercorns.

Shrimp Saganaki

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup sliced red onion

1 cup sliced celery

4 plum tomatoes, cut into 2-inch pieces (about 2 cups)

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1/2 cup quick-cooking brown rice

2 cups water

2 cups fresh basil leaves

2 cups fresh mint leaves

2 sprigs fresh sage

3/4 pound peeled shrimp

1 ounce crumbled reduced-fat, low-sodium feta cheese (scant 1/4 cup)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Heat oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, celery, tomatoes garlic and rice. Saute 2 to 3 minutes. Add water, bring to a simmer, cover and cook 15 minutes. The liquid should be absorbed and the rice cooked. If vegetables begin to burn, add a little water. Add the basil, mint, sage and shrimp. Cook, stirring, 2 to 3 minutes or until the shrimp just turns pink. Remove the sage sprig. Sprinkle with feta cheese and salt and pepper to taste. Cheese will melt from the heat of the dish. Serve on two dinner plates.

Yield 2 servings.

Per serving: 423 calories, 103 calories from fat, 11.5 grams fat, 2.7 grams saturated fat, 5.6 grams monounsaturated fat, 280 milligrams cholesterol, 45.7 grams protein, 40.5 grams carbohydrates, 12.6 grams dietary fiber, 8.2 grams sugars, 481 milligrams sodium, 1,626 milligrams potassium, 588 milligrams phosphorus.

Exchanges: 1 1/2 starch, 4 vegetable, 4 1/2 lean protein, 1/2 fat.

- Recipe by Linda Gassenheimer

From "Delicious One-Pot Meals" by Linda Gassenheimer, published by the American Diabetes Association. Reprinted with permission of the American Diabetes Association.

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