CookTeaser

A CookTale

Cathie and I both agreed that Shrimp would be the main ingredient. We also agreed to combine it with Pesto. I had fresh Cilantro and Basil waiting to be dealt with, knowing that unless something was done and right now, there would be no tomorrow. At $3.99 a bunch it’s criminal to see Basil go bad overnight. Naturally I opted for Pasta, while Cathie was happy with a green vegetable. With something as simple as grilled Shrimp, there’s no problem with “to each one’s own”.

INGREDIENTS For the Basil Cilantro Pesto & the Pasta

2 TB of Pine Nuts (toasted)
1 bunch of Basil (leaves only)
1/2 bunch of Cilantro (leaves & stems)
2 Garlic cloves
1/2 cup of EVOO
Lemon Juice (optional)
1/3 cup of freshly grated Pecorino Romano
Kosher Salt & fresh Black Pepper (for the pesto)
2 oz of Spaghetti
1 TB of Salt (for the pot)

METHOD

1. In a small skillet, toast the Pine Nuts, shaking the pan occasionally, until golden brown, about 2 minutes.

2. In a food processor, pulse the Pine Nuts with the Basil, Cilantro, Garlic & 1/2 cup of the EVOO until combined. Add the Pecorino Romano & pulse until smooth. Scrap the Pesto into a bowl & season with Salt & Pepper. A squirt of Lemon Juice is optional.

1. Bring a large pot of Salted water to a boil. Add the Spaghetti. Boil according to the package instructions, about 12 minutes.

2. Drain place in a bowl & add the Pesto, according to your taste.

INGREDIENTS For the Shrimp

12 size U-15 Jumbo Shrimp (shelled & deveined)
2 TB of EVOO
A pinch of Red Pepper Flakes (or to taste)
1 tsp of Sweet Paprika
Sea Salt

METHOD

2. Preheat a cast-iron grill pan. Thread the Shrimp on 4 skewers. Grill over a medium-hot heat, weighed down with a grill press, until opaque & cooked through, about 1 minutes on one side, 1 minute on the other.

3. Top the Pesto Spaghetti with 2 skewers of the Shrimp.