Fried Cornmeal Shrimp With Butternut Squash Risotto Food

FRIED CORNMEAL SHRIMP WITH BUTTERNUT SQUASH RISOTTO

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°F. Pierce squash several times. Place on baking sheet; roast until tender, about 1 hour. Cool. Cut squash in half; discard seeds. Scoop flesh into processor. Puree until smooth. Measure 1 1/2 cups puree (reserve remaining puree for another use). DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; chill.
• Place shrimp, 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, and 3 smashed garlic cloves in large resealable plastic bag; turn to coat. Chill 2 to 3 hours, turning bag occasionally.
• Stir cornmeal, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in medium bowl. Add shrimp; toss. Arrange in single layer on large plate.
• Preheat oven to 200°F. Bring broth to simmer in heavy small saucepan; reduce heat to low and keep hot. Heat remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in heavy large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until beginning to brown, stirring often, about 5 minutes. Add chopped garlic and 2 teaspoons thyme; stir 1 minute. Add rice and stir 1 minute. Add wine; stir until almost absorbed, about 2 minutes. Reduce heat to medium. Add 1 cup hot broth and cook until almost all liquid is absorbed, stirring often. Continue adding hot broth 1 cup at a time and stirring frequently until rice is almost tender, about 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, add enough vegetable oil to heavy large skillet to reach depth of 1/4 inch. Heat oil over high heat. Working in 2 batches, fry shrimp until golden brown and cooked through, about 1 1/2 minutes per side. Transfer to paper-towel-lined baking sheet and place in oven to keep warm.
• Rewarm reserved 1 1/2 cups squash puree in microwave. Add warm puree to risotto and stir until rice is tender but still firm, about 2 minutes. Stir in Parmesan cheese and remaining 2 teaspoons thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
• Divide risotto among bowls. Top with shrimp and serve.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH BISQUE WITH SHRIMP

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Toss the squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper on a baking sheet; spread in a single layer. Roast until tender and browned, about 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the leek, carrots, garlic, marjoram, bay leaf, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and golden, about 5 minutes. Stir in the roasted squash, chicken broth and 2 cups water; bring to a simmer. Cook until the carrots are tender, about 20 minutes. Discard the marjoram sprigs and bay leaf. Puree the soup in the pot using an immersion blender until smooth (or puree in a regular blender in batches).
• Melt the remaining 3 tablespoons butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Cook, swirling the pan, until browned, about 5 minutes. Add the browned butter to the soup and puree again; reserve the skillet. Gently reheat the soup over medium-low heat; thin with water if necessary. Season with salt and cayenne.
• Wipe out the reserved skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and set over high heat. Lightly season the shrimp with salt and add to the skillet. Cook, turning once, until the shrimp are browned around the edges, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove to a plate.
• Add the almonds to the skillet and toast, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 1 minute. Serve the soup in small cups or bowls. Top with the shrimp, almonds and chives.