Olive-Oil-Poached Shrimp with Winter Pistou

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Are you looking for a delicious and healthy seafood recipe to warm up your winter evenings?

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Olive-Oil-Poached Shrimp with Winter Pistou
Servings
6

Method

  1. Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil.

  2. Add basil leaves to the boiling water and let them simmer for 15 seconds.

  3. Use a strainer or slotted spoon to transfer the basil directly to a blender.

  4. In the same saucepan, add 1 teaspoon of coarse salt to the boiling water and bring it back to a boil.

  5. Add carrots to the boiling water and cook them for 5 minutes.

  6. Add broccoli and cauliflower to the saucepan and continue cooking until all vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes more.

  7. Drain the vegetables and transfer them to a bowl of ice water to cool down.

  8. Once the vegetables are cold, drain them well.

  9. Add the cooled vegetables, vegetable stock, cranberry beans, parsley, and 1/4 cup of oil to the blender with the basil.

  10. Blend the mixture until smooth, occasionally scraping down the sides of the blender with a rubber spatula.

  11. Transfer the blended mixture (pistou) to a medium bowl and season it with salt and pepper to taste.

  12. If desired, the pistou can be made a day ahead, covered, and chilled. Rewarm it in the microwave before serving.

  13. In a heavy large saucepan, pour 3 cups of olive oil and add thyme sprigs.

  14. Attach a deep-fry thermometer to the side of the saucepan and heat the oil over medium heat

About this recipe

Are you looking for a delicious and healthy seafood recipe to warm up your winter evenings? Look no further! In this article, we will introduce you to the mouthwatering dish of Olive-Oil-Poached Shrimp with Winter Pistou. It's a recipe that combines the delicate flavors of shrimp poached in olive oil with a vibrant and aromatic winter pistou sauce.

The Magic of Olive Oil Poaching

Imagine tender shrimp cooked perfectly in olive oil, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a rich, buttery taste. Olive oil poaching is a cooking technique that infuses the shrimp with incredible flavor while keeping them incredibly juicy. It's like a gentle embrace that transforms these crustaceans into an extraordinary culinary delight.

Winter Pistou: A Burst of Freshness

Now, let's talk about the star of this dish - the Winter Pistou. Think of it as a close relative to the famous Italian pesto sauce, but with a wintery twist. It's a vibrant and aromatic concoction made from fresh herbs, garlic, nuts, and olive oil. The Winter Pistou adds a burst of freshness and complexity to the poached shrimp, elevating the dish to a whole new level.

Preparing Olive-Oil-Poached Shrimp with Winter Pistou

Creating this culinary masterpiece is surprisingly simple. Start by poaching the shrimp in a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil, allowing them to cook gently until they reach a perfect pink color. This slow and gentle cooking method ensures that the shrimp remain tender and succulent.

While the shrimp are poaching, prepare the Winter Pistou sauce. Gather your favorite winter herbs, such as sage, rosemary, and thyme, and combine them with garlic, nuts, and a drizzle of olive oil. Blend everything together until you have a smooth and fragrant sauce that will complement the shrimp beautifully.

Once the shrimp are cooked to perfection, remove them from the olive oil and arrange them on a serving platter. Drizzle the Winter Pistou sauce over the shrimp, allowing the flavors to mingle and dance together. You can garnish the dish with fresh herbs for an extra touch of elegance.

In Conclusion

Olive-Oil-Poached Shrimp with Winter Pistou is a dish that combines the delicate flavors of shrimp poached in olive oil with a vibrant and aromatic winter pistou sauce. It's a recipe that will delight your taste buds and warm your soul during the chilly winter months. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, get cooking, and treat yourself to this culinary masterpiece!

Frequently asked questions

. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them properly before poaching.

. What can I serve with Olive-Oil-Poached Shrimp with Winter Pistou?

This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, such as crusty bread, roasted vegetables, or a light salad.

. Can I substitute the shrimp with another type of seafood?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different seafood options, such as scallops or cod, using the same poaching technique.

. How long does it take to poach the shrimp?

The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the shrimp, but it usually takes around 5-7 minutes.

. Can I make the Winter Pistou sauce in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the Winter Pistou sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

. Is olive oil poaching a healthier cooking method?

Yes, olive oil poaching is considered a healthier alternative to frying or sautéing as it reduces the need for additional fats.

. Can I add other ingredients to the Winter Pistou sauce?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, or even a hint of lemon zest to customize the sauce to your taste.

. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can replace the shrimp with tofu or tempeh and still enjoy the delicious flavors of the Winter Pistou.

AprilCook, recipe developer and the heart of Chefwiz. More about April

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