Thursday, April 21, 2016

An Old Fashioned Shrimp Boil



Let's say you've got a big dinner party coming up.  Here's an idea that's sure to please.  Nina Elder, who's the Executive Editor of Rachael Ray Everyday Magazine stopped by Tonia's Kitchen with a great twist on a southern shrimp boil, and that twist it seems is in the lemon.  Nina told Tonia that when they tested the recipe, the addition of lemon really brought out the flavor of the seafood, and made it sing to the tester's tastebuds.  It feeds a lot of people at once and makes you feel like the ocean is right outside your window, even if you live in Des Moines!

Spicy Boiled Shrimp, Corn & Potatoes with Parsley Butter
Serves 8 Prep 20 min cook 20 min
              4            lbs. extra-large unpeeled shrimp
              1            can (12 oz.) lager beer
              3⁄4       cup Old Bay or Crab Boil seasoning, plus more for serving
              2            onions, quartered
              1            head garlic, halved crosswise, plus 1 small clove garlic, peeled
              4            lemons—2 halved, 2 cut into wedges
              1            stick butter, at room temperature
              2            tbsp. chopped flat-leaf parsley
              2            lbs. small red potatoes, halved
              8            ears of corn, husked and broken in half
1. Using scissors or a small, sharp knife, cut through the shell along the rounded back of each shrimp; remove the vein. In a large pot, stir 4 quarts water, the beer and the Old Bay; season with salt. Add the onions and the halved garlic head. Squeeze in the juice from the 2 halved lemons, then add the lemon halves; bring to a rolling boil.

2. Meanwhile, in a food processor, puree the butter, parsley and garlic clove to form a smooth paste. Transfer to a saucepan and heat over medium until the butter melts; season. Cover and keep warm.

3. Add the potatoes to the large pot; cook until almost tender, about 12 minutes. Add the corn and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat; add the shrimp and let stand, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are just opaque in the center, about 3 minutes.


4. Using a large slotted spoon, transfer the shrimp, potatoes, corn and garlic to a large platter (discard the onions and lemons); drizzle with the parsley butter. Serve with the lemon wedges and more Old Bay for sprinkling.