Shrimp With Saffron Leeks Bacon Food

QUICK, SPICY LEEK AND SHRIMP STIR-FRY

Steps:

• Trim the ends and dark green tops from the leeks and discard. Cut the leeks in half lengthwise, then crosswise into 1-inch pieces. Immerse them in a bowl of cold water, swish to remove any grit and lift them out into a colander. Clean the bowl, change the water and repeat until the water remains clear. You should have 6 cups leeks. Once they are all in the colander, toss them a bit with your fingers to separate the leaves.
• Heat a large skillet over high heat until hot. Add 1 tablespoon of the oil and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan. Add half the leeks and a generous pinch each salt and pepper. Spread the leeks into a single layer and cook, without stirring, until slightly charred, about 1 minute. Stir in a small pinch pepper flakes and continue cooking, without stirring, 1 minute. Toss and stir until the leeks just start to wilt, about 1 more minute. Transfer to a bowl. Repeat with 1 tablespoon of the oil, the remaining leeks, a generous pinch each salt and pepper and another small pinch pepper flakes, adding the leeks to the bowl when done.
• Heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in the skillet (let it get really hot). Add the shrimp, garlic and another pinch pepper flakes (or to taste). Season with salt and pepper, and cook, tossing, until the shrimp just starts to turn pink in spots, less than 1 minute. Add the leeks and toss to combine; the shrimp should now be pink. Serve immediately over rice if using.

BACON-WRAPPED SHRIMP

Steps:

• Position a rack 3 to 4 inches from the heat source and preheat the broiler. Whisk the lemon juice, garlic, paprika, thyme, olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a shallow baking dish. Add the shrimp and toss to coat; marinate in the refrigerator, 20 minutes.
• Turn the shrimp in the marinade to coat well. One at a time, remove each shrimp and wrap with a piece of bacon; secure with a toothpick if desired. Place seam-side down on a baking sheet. Spoon any remaining marinade over the shrimp. Broil, turning the shrimp once, until the bacon is slightly crisp and the shrimp are cooked through, about 5 minutes.

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.

SHRIMP WITH CHUNKY TOMATO-SAFFRON SAUCE

Steps:

• Heat oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shallots and sauté 2 minutes. Add shrimp and cook until just pink, about 3 minutes. Transfer shrimp to bowl using slotted spoon. Add tomato paste to same skillet and stir 1 minute. Add wine, crushed red pepper and saffron and boil 2 minutes. Add tomatoes, garlic and orange peel and cook until reduced to sauce consistency, stirring frequently, about 5 minutes. Add cream and simmer sauce 3 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Cook fettuccine in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Drain. Season with salt and pepper.
• Add shrimp and oregano to sauce; stir to heat through. Sprinkle with parsley. Serve over fettuccine.