Shrimp Rillettes

Method

Chef Linton Hopkins serves these simple shrimp rillettes with shrimp crackers and preserved chilies.

• 1/2 pound peeled and deveined shrimp
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, at room temperature, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons sherry
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Pinch teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons minced scallions

Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat; continue cooking until foamy. Add the shrimp and season with the salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about a minute and half on each side. Transfer to the bowl of a food processor.

Add the sherry, lemon juice, and cayenne to the pan; reduce over medium heat. until syrupy, about 3 minutes. Add the syrup to the food processor and purée until smooth. Add the remaining butter to the mixture, 1 tablespoon at a time, puréeing until smooth between additions. Transfer the rillettes to a medium mixing bowl and fold in the scallions. Season with more salt, pepper, and sherry if desired. Pack the rillettes into a 10-ounce ramekin or mold. Cover tightly and chill. Serve with crackers.

Yield

1 cup