Vanilla-Balsamic Shrimp with Saffron-Basil Israeli Couscous
Recipe created by Rori Trovato
Oprah.com | January 14, 2010
- 2
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 vanilla beans
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 3 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
- Kosher salt
- 8 extra-large shrimp , peeled and deveined
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- Pinch of saffron threads
- 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil , plus a few whole leaves for garnish (optional)
- 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup Israeli (toasted pasta) couscous
- Freshly ground pepper
Preparation
Step 1
Split 1 vanilla bean lengthwise; scrape out its seeds. Place seeds and pod in a small saucepan, and add olive oil. Cook on medium heat about 7 minutes. Let sit at room temperature at least 30 minutes or up to several days. Discard pod.
In a medium bowl, combine balsamic vinegar with a pinch of salt. Slowly whisk in 1/3 cup of vanilla-infused olive oil. Place shrimp in another bowl, and pour half of balsamic dressing on top. Refrigerate shrimp for 30 minutes.
Split remaining 1/2 bean lengthwise, and scrape out seeds. Transfer seeds and pod to a small saucepan with chicken broth and saffron. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook about 3 minutes. Add basil, butter, couscous, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Bring mixture back to a boil, then reduce to a simmer; cover and cook until couscous is tender and most of broth is absorbed, 8 to 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons vanilla olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Sauté on one side for 3 minutes, then sauté other side until crisp and opaque, 3 minutes more.
Place couscous on 2 plates; garnish with basil leaves (if using). Arrange shrimp on top, add pepper to taste, and drizzle with remaining vanilla-balsamic vinaigrette. Serve immediately.