DASH. OF. THIS. AND. THAT

 

POPPA'S SHRIMP SCAMPI AND PASTA

 

We had many wonderful Christmas Eve dinners with Poppa, and this recipe being one of his best, will always be a tradition in our family. Read the recipe over, you will be back and forth from the stove to the oven, but it all comes together quickly. The key is to use large fresh broiled shrimp and a pan sauce. For best results do not overcook and remember "mise en place" - have all ingredients on hand.

 

Ingredients:

 

for shrimp:

2 1/2 lbs. of large shrimp (deveined, cleaned with tails removed)

5 cloves fresh garlic chopped

3 tablespoons clarified butter (see recipe)

1/2 cup toasted bread crumbs

2 Tablespoons olive oil

 

For pasta:

1 pound of pasta (we use fettucine)

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 small onion minced​

3/4 cup dry white wine

1/2 cup chicken broth

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

3 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons basil chiffonade

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

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1.  Boil water according to pasta instructions and preheat the broiler.

2. Toss the breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, set aside.

3. In a large saucepan heat 1/2 cup olive oil add onion and saute until translucent. Add white wine

   and reduce by half. Add chicken broth and continue to cook for 4 minutes. Add butter and lemon,          simmer.

4. In the meantime add pasta to the boiling water for 7 minutes.

5. While waiting for pasta to boil , toss the shrimp, clarified butter and garlic together and place in a          shallow baking pan. Place under broiler for approximately 3 minutes (depending on size of shrimp).

6. In the meantime, add partially boiled pasta to the broth and cook until al dente (approximately

    3-4 minutes).

7. While the pasta is finishing in broth, flip the shrimp over and top with bread crumbs. Broil for                  approximately 3 minutes more. Do not overcook.

8. Transfer pasta to a large serving platter. Top with the hot Shrimp Scampi and garnish with fresh            basil, parsley and lemon wedges. Serve with grated cheese if desired.