Venere rice with shrimp, zucchini and mint

Prep time: 20 min

Cook time: 20 min

Serving: 4

Cost: Average

Venere rice with shrimp, zucchini and mint is a dish that really captures the essence of Northern Italian cuisine. And, I mean, this venere rice recipe uses that special Italian black rice—riso venere. It’s celebrated for its slightly nutty aroma and striking deep color, you know?

In Lombardy and Piedmont, this black rice with shrimp is a favorite for being light yet satisfying. So, here's the thing, it offers elegance while being pretty simple to prepare.

The rice, mixed with tender shrimp, crisp zucchini, and a hint of mint, delivers a burst of flavor. Really good stuff.

A squeeze of lime enhances the zesty notes, making it feel like summer all year round. Across Italy, variations of shrimp and zucchini rice are everywhere. But using venere rice?

That's the unique twist, super super distinct to the north. The rice’s chewy texture complements the juicy shrimp and crisp zucchini slices—seriously good.

This dish can be served warm or at room temperature, so it's versatile for lunch, dinner, or as a chic side for a picnic. And the mint and lime?

They give it a really fresh, almost tropical vibe while sticking to its Italian roots. Thing is, many folks like adding different veggies or swapping in other seafood, depending on the season. So, there's room for creativity.

Overall, this venere rice with vegetables is a fave among those who love healthy seafood recipes with simple prep and colorful flavors. Pretty much, it's a meal that feels both special and effortless—a really really good way to bring northern Italian innovation to any table.

This dish not only showcases Italian culinary artistry but also encourages a playful approach to ingredients, making every dining experience unique and memorable.

How to prepare Venere rice with shrimp, zucchini and mint

To prepare the Venere rice with shrimp, zucchini and mint, first cook the black rice in plenty of boiling salted water for the time indicated on the package 1. In the meantime, trim the zucchini and cut them first into slices 2, then into strips and finally into cubes 3.

Place the zucchini cubes in a nonstick pan with a drizzle of hot oil 4. Salt 5 and flavor with a few mint leaves 6.

Also add the grated lime zest 7 and brown the zucchini over medium heat for about ten minutes. Meanwhile, How to clean shrimp: remove the head, take off the shell 8 and extract the black vein inside, then cut the flesh into pieces 9. Once cooked, drain the rice and pour it into the pan with the sautéed zucchini 10.

Add the shrimp as well 11 and season with a drizzle of oil 12. Add more fresh mint for fragrance 13 and sauté everything for a few more minutes 14, just long enough for the shrimp to change color 15. Serve the Venere rice salad warm or at room temperature 16, garnished with more lime zest if desired 17.

The Venere rice with shrimp, zucchini and mint is ready to be enjoyed 18!