CREAMY TOMATO AND FETA SHRIMP BAKE (Garides Saganaki)

Relive the flavors of Crete with this comforting shrimp dish simmered in a rich, tangy tomato sauce with crumbled feta cheese. Perfectly seasoned and baked under a golden feta crust, it’s a delicious tribute to the late summer tomato season.

🕒 Prep Time: 15 min

🍳 Cook Time: 20 min
🍰 Servings: 2

Ingredients

15 fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails optional)
500 g very ripe tomatoes, peeled and pureed
1 very small onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, crushed
1 bay leaf
70 g feta cheese, crumbled
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Clean shrimp thoroughly, rinse quickly under cold water, and pat dry with paper towels.
Heat vegetable oil in a pan and sauté chopped onion until softened. Add crushed garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Add pureed tomatoes to the pan along with bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Remove the bay leaf and briefly blend the sauce with a hand blender for a smoother texture.
Stir in about half of the crumbled feta and the olive oil. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
In a baking dish, spread half of the tomato sauce, arrange shrimp evenly on top, then cover with remaining sauce.
Sprinkle the rest of the feta cheese over the top.
Place under a preheated grill on high for about 10 minutes until the feta is golden and slightly browned.
Serve immediately with fresh crusty bread.

💡 Tips

Use very ripe, sweet tomatoes for a rich sauce.
Tails on shrimp add presentation flair but are optional.
Fresh bread is essential for soaking up the flavorful sauce.

🎉 Perfect For

Summer dinners inspired by Mediterranean cuisine
Cozy weekend meals
Sharing with friends and family