Saffron Poached Shrimp With Shaved Fennel And Citrus Vinaigrette Food

FENNEL & GARLIC SHRIMP

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in a large (12-inch) saute pan over medium heat. Add the fennel and saute for 5 minutes, until tender but not browned. Turn the heat to medium-low, add the garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook at a very low sizzle for 2 to 3 minutes, until the garlic just begins to color.
• Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels, add them to the pan, and toss together with the fennel and olive oil. Spread the shrimp in one layer and cook over medium heat for 2 minutes on one side. Turn the shrimp and cook for 2 minutes on the other side, until they¿re pink and just cooked through.
• Off the heat, sprinkle with the parsley, 1 tablespoon of chopped fennel fronds, the Pernod (if using), the fleur de sel, and black pepper and serve it with bread to soak up all the pan juices.

LEMON FENNEL SHRIMP WITH TARRAGON

Steps:

• In a large saucepan of salted boiling water cook shrimp 1 minute, or until just cooked through. In a colander drain shrimp and rinse under cold water until cool. Shell and if desired devein shrimp.
• In a bowl or plastic container whisk together lemon juice, fennel seeds, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to taste and add oil in a stream, whisking. Stir in shrimp, garlic, and sliced lemon and marinate, covered and chilled, stirring occasionally, at least 6 hours or overnight. Stir in chopped tarragon. Serve shrimp garnished with tarragon sprig.

SAUTéED SHRIMP WITH GARLIC AND SAFFRON

Steps:

• Put 1/4 cup olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
• Add 3 sliced garlic cloves, and cook until golden.
• Stir in 1 1/2 pounds peeled shrimp, 1 teaspoon each smoked paprika and ground cumin and a pinch of saffron (optional).
• Cook, turning the shrimp once or twice, until they are pink, 5 to 10 minutes.

POACHED OYSTERS IN FENNEL-SAFFRON SOUP

Steps:

• Melt butter in heavy medium skillet over medium heat. Add fennel and sauté until golden, about 10 minutes. Add 1 cup water; cover and cook until fennel is very tender, about 20 minutes. Puree fennel mixture in processor. Set aside.
• Heat oil in heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and saffron; sauté 1 minute. Add clam juice, cream, and Pernod and bring to simmer. Add fennel puree and bring to simmer. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Refrigerate uncovered until cold. Cover and keep refrigerated. Simmer before continuing.) Add oysters with their liquor to cream mixture and stir to heat through. Ladle soup into bowls.