Tuscan Shrimp with White Beans

Ingredients

• 1 serrano pepper
• 5 tbsps extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cups petite diced tomatoes
• 10 basil leaves
• 1 lemon yields lemon juice
• 4 cloves garlic
• 2 tbsps Italian flat-leaf parsley
• 16 large shrimp peeled
• 3 cups cannelloni beans

Directions

1. Drain the beans over a bowl and reserve the liquid. Put the white beans in a large skillet with just enough of their liquid to moisten them.
2. Add 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and bring the beans to a low simmer. Keep warm while you prepare the shrimp.
3. Heat 1/4 cup oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and cook for about 1 minute, tossing frequently.
4. Remove the shrimp with tongs to a bowl. Add the garlic to the pan and saute until the garlic browns. Add the Serrano (or Jalapeno) chile or chili flakes and cook for 1 minute. Add the tomato and basil and stir briefly, then add the lemon juice.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 1 minute, and then stir in the shrimp.
6. Toss well and cook briefly to reheat the shrimp. Remove the shrimp mixture to a plate and sprinkle with parsley.
7. Spoon the white beans on a platter or individual plates. Drizzle them with the best olive oil you have, and then top with the shrimp. Serve warm.
8. Note: based on a recipe from Michael Chiarello.