![Garlic Paprika Shrimp. Photo © David Malosh](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.foodandwine.com/thmb/BC95G3vgQQOi-5hOMG3FU8_lqTw=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/201101-xl-garlic-and-paprika-shrimp-dde69909217448eeadc487688dc555b6.jpg)
Ingredients
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6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
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1 1/2 pounds large shrimp—shelled and deveined, shells reserved
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1 small onion, thinly sliced
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1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced
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2 inner celery ribs, thinly sliced
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6 garlic cloves—2 smashed, 4 minced
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Pinch of saffron threads, crumbled
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1/4 cup Pernod
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1/4 cup brandy
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1 teaspoon tomato paste
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2 tarragon sprigs
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2 parsley sprigs, plus 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter
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Salt and freshly ground pepper
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1 1/2 teaspoons sweet paprika
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1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
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2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Directions
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In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil. Add the shrimp shells and cook over moderate heat until they turn pink, 3 minutes. Add the onion, fennel, celery, smashed garlic and saffron and cook until softened, 5 minutes. Add the Pernod and brandy and cook until evaporated. Stir in the tomato paste, add 6 cups of water and bring to a boil. Simmer until the broth is reduced to 4 cups, 45 minutes. Add the tarragon and parsley sprigs and let stand off the heat for 15 minutes.
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Strain the liquid, pressing the vegetables to mash them through the sieve. Alternatively, pass the mixture through a food mill. Discard the shrimp shells. Transfer the liquid to a saucepan and simmer until reduced to 2 cups, 30 minutes. Swirl in the butter and season with salt and pepper.
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In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil until shimmering. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then sauté over high heat, turning once, until nearly cooked, 2 minutes. Transfer the shrimp to a plate. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of oil to the skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook over low heat until softened and golden, 1 minute. Stir in the paprika. Return the shrimp to the skillet and add the chopped herbs and the lemon juice. Cook for 1 minute longer, until the shrimp are white throughout.
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Ladle the sauce into bowls and top with the shrimp. Drizzle any garlic oil over the shrimp and serve right away.
Suggested Pairing
Zippy Vinho Verde.