Although this may sound odd, it is a wonderful flavor booster. Essentially, you are seasoning an oil for cooking or flavoring by cooking raw shrimp shells and aromatics and gently infusing oil with the flavors and aromas of a dish of sautéed shrimp. Use this oil to season fish before cooking, flavoring seafood soups and stews, pasta dishes, etc. It goes wonderfully with saffron and corn, and is at the base of a wonderful sauce of pureed fresh corn and saffron. If you only cook a few shrimp at a time, put the few shells into a zipper bag and force out all the air before stashing them in the freezer until you have enough to make the oil.
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This oil could be used for topping fish and chicken, or as part of a “de-constructed” salsa. It is also a nice way to make simple dishes such as grilled or sautéed summer squash into something elegant. Cilantro oil is not something that will keep for more than a few days, so don’t make vast quantities, and keep it in the refrigerator when not in use. You could freeze some of it and that will delay the break down somewhat.
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There are many different methods for making basil infused oil, but I find this one works really well. It produces a deeply colored and flavored oil that will last in the refrigerator for 3-5 days before the flavor begins to drop off. It can be frozen for a month or two without much loss of flavor, but be sure to wrap it closely once frozen. Use this as a garnish, or as a flavoring. Try smearing a little across a plate when you want a subtle basil aroma and flavor, or add drops onto dishes for small intense burst of basil flavor. Although the recipe calls for olive oil, save the intense Tuscan Extra Virgin oils for something else, or the basil will be overwhelmed.
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