Gazpacho with Shrimp and Mussels

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Servings:
6

A little Madeira in this elegant gazpacho draws out the natural sweetness of shellfish. Shrimp stock, strained tomatoes, and vinegar form the flavorful base.

Ingredients

  • 4 pounds ripe tomatoes, preferably beefsteak, cut into chunks

  • 1 tablespoon coarse salt

  • 12 ounces (about 18) large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on, shells reserved

  • 4 cups cold water

  • 1 teaspoon red-wine vinegar

  • ½ teaspoon sherry vinegar

  • ½ cup Madeira or dry sherry

  • 18 mussels, scrubbed well and debearded

  • 3 garlic cloves, smashed

  • Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling

  • 1 tablespoon very thinly sliced fresh flat-leaf parsley, for garnish

  • 1 three-inch piece English cucumber, peeled, seeded, and finely diced, for garnish

  • ½ yellow bell pepper, ribs and seeds removed, finely diced, for garnish

Directions

  1. Working in batches, pulse tomatoes and salt in a food processor until coarsely chopped. Transfer mixture to a cheesecloth-lined sieve set over a stockpot. Let strain in refrigerator for at least 6 hours (or up to overnight).

  2. Bring shrimp shells and 3 cups water to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat, and let simmer, partially covered, for 30 minutes. Strain through a fine sieve into a heatproof bowl; discard shells. Refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 hour (or up to 1 day).

  3. Extract remaining juice from tomatoes by gently squeezing cheesecloth, being careful not to extract solids. Add shrimp stock and vinegars to juice. Refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 hour (or up to 1 day).

  4. Bring Madeira and remaining cup water to a simmer in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp, mussels, and garlic. Cover, and let simmer until shrimp have cooked through and mussels have opened, about 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer shrimp and mussels to a large bowl (discard any unopened mussels). Let cool, about 10 minutes. Divide chilled broth among 6 shallow bowls. Drizzle with oil, top with shrimp and mussels. Garnish with parsley, cucumber, and bell pepper just before serving.

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