SHRIMP WITH TAMARIND AND CILANTRO
Makes: 4 servings
Total time: 4 0 minutes
3 tablespoons tamarind paste
2 ½ cups water
2 tablespoons grapeseed or other neutral oil
1 ½ pounds extra-large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed and patted dry 1 medium yellow onion, chopped Kosher salt and ground black pepper 2 tablespoons salted butter
1 cup finely chopped cilantro leaves and tender stems, divided
3 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons ground coriander
¾ teaspoon ground turmeric
1 . In a 2 -cup glass measuring cup or small microwave-safe bowl, combine the tamarind paste and ½ cup of water. Microwave on high until warm, about 1 minute, then whisk to combine. Let stand for 1 0 minutes, then pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer set over a bowl and press on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible; discard the solids. You should have about ⅓ cup of strained tamarind. 2 . In a large Dutch oven over medium-high, heat the oil until smoking. Add half the shrimp in an even layer and cook without stirring until lightly golden on the bottom, about 4 5 seconds. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a plate. Repeat with the remaining shrimp; set aside.
3 . In the same pot over medium-low, add the onion and cook, stirring, until softened and lightly golden, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in 2 teaspoons salt and the butter, then add ½ cup of the cilantro. Cook, stirring frequently, until the cilantro has darkened and the onion is deep golden brown, 5 to 6 minutes. 4 . Add the tamarind and tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, until slightly darkened, about 1 minute. Stir in the coriander, turmeric, ¾ teaspoon pepper and 2 cups water. Bring to a simmer over medium and cook, stirring, until the sauce has slightly thickened and the flavors have melded, about 1 0 minutes.
5. Add the shrimp and stir to coat with the sauce. Cook, stirring, until the shrimp are opaque throughout, 1 to 2 minutes. Off heat, stir in ¼ cup of the remaining cilantro, then taste and season with salt. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with a few tablespoons of the remaining cilantro or more as desired.