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Shrimp and asparagus in saffron cream sauce.
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Saffron Cream Sauce

The cream sauce is simmered and reduced using chicken broth and saffron. Rich, savory and elegant and wonderful. Dragging each bite through the silky cream leads to a delightful pairing of flavors.
Cuisine American
Prep Time 14 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 34 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 472kcal

Ingredients

  • Pinch of saffron threads
  • 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 large shallot peeled and fine chopped
  • 1 Cup heavy cream
  • 1 Cup Chicken Broth
  • 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon White pepper

Instructions

  • Soak the threads of saffron in 1 tablespoon of water for 10 minutes. This is called blooming and will add extract it's signature flavor and color into the water.
  • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the bubbles subside, add the shallots and cook over medium heat until softened, about 2 minutes.
  • Add the heavy cream, chicken stock and undrained bloomed saffron, and bring just to a boil. Lower heat and simmer over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is reduced and thickened, about 15 minutes.
  • Strain the sauce through a fine sieve into a small saucepan and season with the salt and white pepper. Keep the saffron sauce warm over low heat, stirring occasionally.
  • Spoon the saffron sauce into shallow bowls, top with cooked asparagus and poached shrimp and serve.

Notes

Can I Use Half and Half To Save On Fat Calories This is simply not the time to worry about fat calories. The milk fat in heavy whipping cream is needed for a thick and luxurious sauce. Half and Half and worse yet, milk, simply won't accomplish the that. And if cooked at a high heat, they both will separate and ruin the recipe.
Presentation tip: Use your fingers to lightly sprinkle on some sweet paprika for a little design and color.
Uses:
  • Drizzle saffron cream sauce over seared scallops and steamed broccoli.
  • Toss this sauce with the pasta shape of your choice. Pappardelle would be a good choice here. Then garnish with chopped fresh parsley and some grated Parmesan Cheese.
  • Drizzle the sauce over the ravioli of your choice. Cheese ravioli or even Lobster ravioli would work well. Again, grated parmesan cheese would be great on top.

Nutrition

Calories: 472kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 49g | Saturated Fat: 31g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 152mg | Sodium: 761mg | Potassium: 178mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1927IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 90mg | Iron: 0.4mg