Shrimp Scampi + White Bean Vegetable Pizza

Sponsored by Wines of Germany

More and more I’m reading about those in the “wellness community” (or maybe I’m just seeing this sort of content on social media (who don’t incorporate alcohol into their definition of wellness. And that’s okay! We are all different, and all make different choices according to how we view our best selves.

For me, this means wine. Oh man, I love wine. And I love the social nature of it, and how well it compliments a dish – whether it be an appetizer, entrée or dessert. I would like to note that alcohol is incorporated into my lifestyle, based solely off the mindset I’m in while drinking it. Never to “numb” or hide feelings, but to enhance. To elevate a dinner or dish, savored and enjoyed slowly, rather than rushed.

I am so honored to say I’ve partnered with German Wine USA for this post to bring you two simple fall recipes that are quick and easy – so you can spend less time in the kitchen, and more time enjoying food (paired with wine!) with loved ones.

While many typically know Germany for their beer, I myself was surprised to learn that they have 13 fantastic wine regions. They’re world-famous for Riesling, but Germany also produces many more varieties, from fruity Pinot Blanc to robust Pinot Noir, offering something for every wine lover!

One thing all the wines from Germany tend to have in common is a refreshing acidity, which makes them perfect for pairing with food. So on to the recipes! The first is a twist on my favorite shrimp scampi, using wine both in the dish and to enjoy alongside it. The second is an easy fall inspired pizza to whip up when you have that infamous weekend craving! Both recipes are below.

Shrimp Scampi

What you’ll need:

• 1 package wild caught shrimp
• 2 cups zucchini noodles
• 1 cup pasta (I used brown rice /quinoa blend)
• 2 cups tomatoes, diced (or halved if you purchase cherry tomatoes)
• 1 shallot, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ cup white wine

Paired with:  A crisp white wine. I tried the 2015 Rudolf Fürst “Pure Mineral” Weissburgunder from Germany’s Franken region.

“Weissburgunder” is the German name for Pinot Blanc, a grape that’s related to Pinot Gris (also called Pinot Grigio) and Pinot Noir. German Pinot Blanc is typically dry with citrus flavors and slightly nutty aroma. This one would be fantastic to drink with any fish dish, especially this creamy scampi!

What you’ll do:

1. Chop tomatoes, shallot, and garlic and start sautéing them in a cast iron pan.
2. While these wilt down, make pasta according to directions on packaging.
3. When shallots are translucent, add white wine. Continue to stir.
4. Let boil on low for ~10 minutes.
5. Next, add shrimp.
6. Cook until pink.
7. Lastly, add zucchini noodles and cooked pasta. (Note: if you like zucchini noodles soft rather than al dente, add these before the pasta and cook down until tender.)

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Pizza

What you’ll need:

• Pizza dough (I used pre-made)
• 2 cups Brussels sprouts
• 2 cups kale

For the white bean sauce:

• Can of white beans
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp tahini
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
• Salt and pepper
• Water to thin

For the tahini honey mustard:

• 1 tbsp tahini
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper

What you’ll do:

1. Bake the dough according to instructions.
2. While the dough is cooking, mix together the white bean dip in blender or food processor.
3. Next, sauté brussels sprouts on the stove top with olive oil, salt, pepper. Set aside when browned.
4. Make tahini honey mustard sauce and massage into kale.
5. When dough is finished, top with white bean sauce, brussels sprouts, and kale. Bake for another ~10 minutes.

Pair with: A light, dry red. I tried the 2016 Julia Bertram Dernauer Spätburgunder from the Ahr region.

A lot of people think red wine is only for meaty dishes, but in cool climates like Germany, red wines can be lighter and fresher, great for roasted veggies! “Spätburgunder” is the German name for Pinot Noir. It often has juicy red fruit flavors with an earthiness and spice to match Brussels sprouts.

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Definitely look out for German wines the next time you pick up a bottle!

Thank you German Wine USA for sponsoring this post. I am so overwhelmed with gratitude to partner with brands I genuinely use in my daily life.

To learn more about german wines click here. And for german wine regions click here.