Features Chef Talk Recipe Chef Talk: Barcelona's Gambas Al Ajillo Stephanie Webster February 13, 2010 Barcelona has long been a Fairfield County favorite for authentic and distinctive Spanish Tapas. All of their locations share that perfect festive vibe, and the cocktails, well they're worthy of their own post. When the Barcelona Cookbook came out last Summer, I was incredulous that I could recreate the flavors that emerge from their kitchens. Sure, these recipes don't come with music and engaging bartenders, but the food tastes great. These Gambas Al Ajillo are the first of four recipe we will feature from Barcelona Wine Bar. Enjoy! Gambas Al Ajillo 20 medium shrimp (21–25 count), peeled and deveined, with tails left on Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 teaspoons olive oil 4 cloves garlic, very thinly sliced (preferably with a mandoline) 1 cup Christian Brothers Golden Sherry 2 pinches of hot red pepper flakes Leaves from 4 sprigs fresh thyme 1 tablespoon unsalted butter Serves 4 1. Lightly rinse the shrimp under cool running water. Drain and pat dry with paper towels. Lightly season the shrimp with salt and pepper. 2. In a sauté pan, heat the olive oil over high heat. Add the garlic and shrimp and sear for about 3 minutes, turning once or twice, or until the garlic is lightly browned. Add the sherry to the pan, being careful in case it ignites (if it does, remove the pan from the heat and the flames will subside quickly). Stir in the pepper flakes and thyme and cook for a few minutes longer, or until the shrimp is cooked through and pink. 3. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the shrimp to a serving dish and leave the sherry in the pan. Still over high heat, reduce the sherry for 7 to 10 minutes, or until it becomes a glaze. 4. Add the butter to the pan, swirling it over medium heat until melted. Return the shrimp to the pan, toss with the glaze, and serve immediately.
