Friday, February 15, 2013

Shrimp and Beans

Today was the first Friday of Lent. We had Shrimp and Beans, Gamberi Coi Fagioli. Just one thing... the recipe called for Pancetta. Usually I would omit it. That whole meatless Friday thing. But if the pope can retire then darn it one week out of Lent we can have some Pancetta.
On that subject I found this on Facebook -


Tonight's recipe is from Every Night Italian by Giuliano Hazan, yes his mother is Marcella Hazan. I love this cookbook. Every recipe that I have made from it has been wonderful.

Ingredients
1 cup yellow onion, thinly sliced crosswise
4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound large shrimp (21 to 25 per pound)
1 1/2 cup drained canned cranberry or cannellini beans
6 to 8 fresh sage leaves
4 garlic cloves, lightly crushed and peeled
3 tablespoons dry white wine
2 tsp chopped flat leaf parsley
salt
fresh ground pepper


Method
Put the onion and 2 tbsp olive oil in large skillet and place over medium heat. Sauté until the onion turns a rich golden color.
While the onion is sautéing unravel the pancetta and cut into strips about 1 inch long and 1/8 inch thick. Peel and devein the shrimp.
Add the pancetta to the onion and cook until it begins to color lightly, then add the beans and sage and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.
When you are ready to serve, put the garlic and remaining tbsp olive oil in a clean skillet and place over high heat. Begin reheating the beans over low heat, if necessary. Sauté the garlic until it begins to color, then remove the cloves and discard them. Add the shrimp and sauté for about 1 minute. Add the wine and parsley and season with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp until they turn completely pink, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Toss the beans and shrimp together and serve at once with a good crusty bread.

As for the rest of this week let's do a recap. Monday we had Butternut Squash Soup with Grilled Cheese on Homemade Rye Bread. Tuesday we had Steak Sandwiches with Sauteed Onions on Homemade Rye Bread with Butternut Squash Soup. Wednesday we ate at the Infinity Hall, we saw Ian Hunter in concert. Excellent show! Last night, Valentine's Day, I picked up dinner at La Rosticceria. Chris had the New York Steak with Green Peppercorn & Brandy Cream Sauce and I had the Salmon with Fennel & Tarragon Cream. That meal got two thumbs up from both of us.

Yes this has been a crazy week. On that note I will leave you with a personal favorite song. Enjoy -

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