Shrimp with Saffron Rice and Fennel Salad

1 cup arborio rice

1 tbsp vegetable oil

16 large shrimp, deveined, reserve shells

1 large fennel bulb, quartered. 1 quarter finely chopped and 3/4 sliced thin

1 small yellow onion

1 celery rib, finely chopped

1 medium carrot

3 cloves garlic, crushed and chopped

1 tsp fennel seeds

1 tsp aleppo pepper (you can substitute and use crushed red pepper)

1/2 white wine, sweet (Riesling)

3 cups chicken broth

1/2 cup heavy cream

Pinch of Saffron threads

Salt

Pepper

5 tbsp butter, cut into tbsp

1 scallion

1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped

In a large pot boil water and add rice. Cook for 16 minutes, al dente and drain.

In a medium saucepan heat oil. Add the shrimp shells, cook over medium to high heat for 3 minutes. Stir often. Add the chopped fennel, celery, onion, carrot, garlic, fennel seeds and aleppo pepper. Cook over medium heat stirring often. Cook until the onion is golden brown. Add the wine and boil until almost evaporated. Add 2 cups of the chicken broth and simmer for 12 minutes. Strain.

In another medium saucepan, combinecrea and saffron, 1/2 cup of the shrimp stock and  the remaining chicken stock, simmer. Slowly add the rice and cook over medium heat, stirring until the sauce has thickened and the rice is tender. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper.

In a large skillet, bring the remaining shrimp stock to simmer, add the shrimp and cook over moderate heat until shrimp turns pink. Remove from heat and add 4 tbsp of butter. Season with salt and pepper.

In a small bowl, toss the sliced fennel and scallion. Add the lemon juice and season.

Warm the rice and stir in the remaining tbsp of butter. Transfer rice to shallow bowls. Add shrimp and sauce over the rice. Top off with the fennel salad and garnish with thyme.

Pairs well with a nice Chenin Blanc from South Africa, preferably Raats.

A little Chenin Blanc history-  The most planted grape variety in South Africa is known by the same Steen. Most of the Chenin Blanc produced goes into brandy production but there’s a growing excitement internationally for South African Chenin Blanc. A peachy and floral grape variety not unlike Alsatian Pinot Gris and Viognier although most affordable examples are only slightly floral and dry on the palate. You could easily substitute your usual Pinot Gris for a bottle of South African Chenin Blanc.