Pan-Roasted Shrimp with Leeks and Goat Cheese

By Sandro Romano

Serves 2

INGREDIENTS

12 medium peeled and deveined shrimp (look for shrimp marked 16–20, or ask your fishmonger)
½ cup sweet potato, peeled and cut into ½-inch dice
½ cup leek, well washed, and cut into ¼-inch pieces
½ cup shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, and caps cut into small dice
2 oz crumbled goat cheese
1 cup fish stock or vegetable stock
2 tbsp chopped parsley leaves
2 tsp lemon zest
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional:
½ cup dried chorizo sausage, cut into ½-inch dice

INSTRUCTIONS

Heat the olive oil in a medium sauté pan over high heat until the oil begins to shimmer.

Season the shrimp with salt and pepper and add them to the hot oil in the pan. Cook for 1 minute on each side, then remove from the pan and set aside.

Reduce the heat to low and add the sweet potato, leeks, mushrooms, a pinch of salt, and the chorizo, if using, and cook for 2 minutes.

Add the stock and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let cook for 1 minute, or until the sweet potato is tender but not falling apart.

Add the goat cheese to the pan and stir to melt it and incorporate it into the sauce.

Add the shrimp back to the pan and cook for 2 more minutes to heat the shrimp through. Check for seasoning and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Sprinkle the finished dish with chopped parsley and lemon zest and serve hot.