Syria

Arabic Shrimp with Cumin

Description:

A splendid aromatic dish. The spices awaken the taste buds. Derived from a Turkish dish. You can serve this dish to the king of Siam and be assured that it he will like it.

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients:

shrimp,1 1/2,pounds,large,in the shells

water,3,cups,

lemon zest,2,strips,

parsley,4,sprigs,

garlic,4,cloves,crushed

peppercorns,8,,

celery leaves,1,handful,very large

olive oil,1,tablespoon,

onion,1,,large,chopped

garlic,6,cloves,minced

cummin,1 1/2,teaspoon,ground

cayenne pepper,1,pinch,

salt,,,to taste

black pepper,,,fresh ground,to taste

cilantro,3,tablespoons,chopped,fresh

lemon wdges for garnish

rice, 6 cups cooked for serving

Instructions:

Peel the shrimp and place the shells in a saucepan with the water and the next five ingredients. Bring mixture to a boil, lower heat and simmer 50 minutes. Pour the liquid through a strainer and reserve 1 cup of the liquid.

Heat the oil in a large heavy skillet and add the chopped onion and 6 garlic cloves. Sauté over medium-low heat until the onion is tender. Add cumin, cayenne, salt and pepper and the shrimp. Stir 2 minutes and pour the cup of reserved liquid (from shells) into skillet. Bring to a rapid boil, reduce heat to simmer and cook 15 minutes.

Best way to eat: Arrange in a serving dish, sprinkle with cilantro and serve hot. May be served over top of rice piping hot or rice may be served on the side. Garnish with lemon wedges.