Sunday, September 19, 2010

Shrimp Fra Diavlo



Fra Diavlo means Brother Devil...Obviously, this dish was named after my brother, Markie.  Oh. He so hates when I call him that.  Muhahahahaha (evil laugh)!  Actually, he hates the name Markie now that he is a man. His nickname when he was young was Prince Markie.I think he would like being called that now!  I am off topic but he'll understand.  Another muhahahaha!  This recipe can be served as an appetizer or served with pasta for a main course.  The heat is up to you...it's called devil for a reason.  Muhahahahha.  The evil laugh is courtesy of Ileana and Victor, who respond to facebook posts once a day with that response.  Love that! Copy that!

The Ingredients:
1 lb large shrimp (peeled, deveined)
1 tsp chile flakes (more if you like spice)
1/2 cup olive oil (extra for other dishes)
8 cloves of garlic, sliced (divided)
2 pints of cherry tomatoes
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
3/4 cup marinara sauce (I like Mario Batali's new brand)
1/2 cup white wine
1/2 cup chicken stock
4 tbsp heavy cream
1 tsp honey

The Method:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Marinate shrimp in 1/4 tsp of chile flakes. Keep refrigerated.
Make garlic oil.  Add olive oil and 6 cloves of sliced garlic to small sauce pan. Heat over low heat until garlic is soft and oil is very fragrant, about 20 minutes.  Save any remaining from this recipe.  You can use it for many other dishes to add flavor!
Make the tomatoes.  Add tomatoes to a sheet pan with 1 tbsp of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper. Toss to coat. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until tomatoes are wrinkled and just beginning to brown.
Heat skillet over medium high heat until hot.  Add 2-3 tbsp of garlic oil.  Add shrimp.  Saute for 1 minute per side.  Pan should be hot!  Shrimp should be just turning pink and slightly browned. Do not overcook shrimp. Remove to a plate and cover with foil. 
Add 2 tbs garlic oil to skillet. Add roasted, cherry tomatoes. Saute on medium high for 8-10 minutes. Add remaining 2 cloves of garlic. Saute for 2-3 minutes. Deglaze with white wine, 2-3 minutes, add marinara, chicken stock and garlic slices from the garlic oil.  Add additional chile flakes now if you want more "devil".   Cook over medium for 20 minutes.  Strain sauce through a strainer, press out all yummy solids or blend in a blender.  Return to pan.  Heat to simmer. Add honey and cream.  Add shrimp & pasta, if serving as a main dish or serve with garlic toast as an appetizer.
(Hint: save 1-2 ladles of pasta water and add if sauce is too thick)

1 comment:

  1. Sounds like another one I'll have to try soon. I love your blog!!!

    ReplyDelete