Imagine a dish that perfectly blends the delicate sweetness of shrimp, the subtle earthiness of leeks, and the comforting richness of a creamy gratin. This Shrimp and Leek Rice Gratin is a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will transport your taste buds to a cozy French-inspired kitchen. Perfect for a special weeknight dinner or an impressive dinner party dish, this recipe combines texture, flavor, and pure comfort in every single bite.
Ingredients
- Rice: 250g basmati or long-grain rice
- Shrimp: 300g peeled (fresh or frozen)
- Leeks: 3 (white and light green parts)
- Onion: 1 medium
- Garlic: 2 cloves
- Double Cream: 20cl (6.8 fl oz)
- Milk: 10cl (3.4 fl oz)
- Grated Cheese: 100g (Emmental, Comté, Gruyère, or mix)
- Olive Oil or Butter: 1 tablespoon or 20g
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, grated nutmeg (optional)
- Optional Extras: Lemon juice, breadcrumbs
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Perfect Rice Preparation
- Cook rice in salted water according to package instructions
- Drain and set aside, keeping the rice light and fluffy
2. Vegetable Sauté
- Thoroughly wash and finely slice leeks
- Slice onion and chop garlic cloves
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet
- Sauté onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes
- Add leeks, cooking 10-15 minutes until softened
- Season with salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg
3. Shrimp Cooking
- Add shrimp to leek mixture
- Cook 5-7 minutes until shrimp turn pink
- Drain frozen shrimp thoroughly before adding
- Optional: Add a squeeze of lemon juice for freshness
4. Assembling the Gratin
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F)
- Mix cooked rice with leek and shrimp mixture
- Stir in double cream and milk
- Transfer to a baking dish
- Top with grated cheese
- Optional: Sprinkle breadcrumbs for extra crispiness
- Bake 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly
Nutritional Information & Serving Details
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 55 minutes
Nutritional Highlights (per serving):
- Protein-rich from shrimp
- Moderate carbohydrates
- Good source of calcium
- Approximate calories: 450-500
Why This Recipe is a Healthy Choice
This Shrimp and Leek Rice Gratin isn’t just delicious—it’s nutritionally balanced. Shrimp provides lean protein and essential omega-3 fatty acids, while leeks offer fiber and antioxidants. The dish balances complex carbohydrates from rice with nutrient-dense proteins, making it a wholesome meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
The combination of vegetables, seafood, and whole grains creates a balanced plate that supports overall wellness. Using moderate amounts of cream and cheese keeps the dish indulgent yet not overly heavy, proving that healthy eating can be incredibly satisfying.
Pro Tip: For a lighter version, substitute half the cream with low-fat milk and use a reduced-fat cheese blend.