Tequila-spiked Fettuccine With Shrimp And California Avocado

Total Time: 45 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients

• 4 large ripe tomatoes, cored
• 8 ounces fettuccine
• salt, for pasta water
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for pasta
• 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tsp.crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 tsp.freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tsp.minced garlic
• 2 large ripe tomatoes, cored, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch dice
• 1/4 cup silver tequila
• 2 ripe fresh california avocados, halved, seeded, peeled and cut into 1/2 dice
• 1 bunch basil, cut into thin strips
• 2 tablespoons.unsalted butter, cold
• salt, to taste
• fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• parmesan cheese, for sprinkling (optional)

Recipe

• 1 .puree the whole tomatoes in a blender until smooth, adding a small amount of water, if necessary; reserve.
• 2 fill a large stockpot with water and bring to a boil.
• 3 add the pasta and salt to the pot; cook until al dente, about 8 minutes.
• 4 drain in a colander and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
• 5 meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• 6 add the shrimp, crushed red pepper, salt and pepper and sauté the shrimp for 1 minute on each side.
• 7 add the garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds.
• 8 remove skillet from heat and add the diced tomatoes and tequila.
• 9 return skillet to heat and continue to sauté for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. (be careful as pan might flame.)
• 10 stir in half the diced avocado and half the basil.
• 11 transfer shrimp mixture to a platter using a slotted spoon, leaving liquid in the skillet.
• 12 add the reserved tomato puree to the skillet, bring to a boil, lower heat, and simmer until the mixture is reduced by about one-third.
• 13 add the butter, stirring until it is melted.
• 14 then, add the remaining diced avocado and basil.
• 15 taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
• 16 toss finished sauce with cooked pasta until thoroughly combined.
• 17 top with shrimp mixture and serve immediately.
• 18 *large avocados are recommended for this recipe. a large avocado averages about 8 ounces. if using smaller or larger size avocados adjust the quantity accordingly.