Nuevo Latino Recipes

NUEVO LATINO SHRIMP AND GRITS

Steps:

• For the grits: Bring the water or stock to a boil in a large saucepan. Slowly pour in the grits in a thin stream, stirring constantly so they don't form lumps. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until they begin to thicken. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally to ensure they don¿t stick to the bottom on the pot, for 20 medium. Cover and reduce the heat to low and cook until the grits are tender, about 10 minutes more. Stir in the cream, manchego, Monterey Jack, chipotles and butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• For the shrimp: Combine the achiote paste, garlic and lime juice in a shallow bowl. Add the shrimp and marinate in the refrigerator at least 30 minutes and no more than 6 hours.
• Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and sear, 3 minutes per side. Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the bourbon, return to the heat, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are bright pink and cooked through, about 1 to 2 minutes.
• For the bourbon redeye gravy: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ham and saute until browned, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Add the onions and mushrooms and continue to saute. Add the bourbon and shake the pan. (It may flame a bit. If so, pull it off the flame and stir.) Add the coffee and bring to a boil. Remove and discard the ham. Whisk in the cornstarch mixture and continue to boil until reduced by half. Whisk in the thyme and slowly incorporate the butter until you achieve an emulsified sauce.
• Serve the shrimp with the grits, poblano pepper and gravy.

PORTUGUESE CHICKEN WITH CHORIZO AND CLAMS

Steps:

• Heat the oven to broil and place the red peppers, skin-side up on a baking sheet for approximately 10 minutes or until all the skin is blackened.
• Remove the red peppers from the oven and place them in an airtight container or bowl covered in plastic wrap to sweat and cool for 5 minutes. Cook's Note: The skin will then be easy to peel off.
• Reduce the heat of the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Meanwhile, place the chicken in a bowl and add the smoked paprika, paprika, chorizo, salt, pepper and mix well.
• In a pan, heat the canola oil on high heat. Add the chicken and fry until crispy on all sides, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the chorizo and do the same for another 2 minutes. Add the potatoes and onions and stir. Slice the skinless, roasted red peppers into long strips and add to the pan, along with all the juices. Place the smashed garlic on top of the chicken and season with salt and pepper. Put the pan in the oven for approximately 25 minutes, or until the chicken is fork tender. Remove from oven. Add the clams and kale. Cook for another 10 minutes.
• Remove and plate, garnishing with fresh parsley, chives, a drizzle of olive oil and some crusty (Portuguese) bread on the side.
• Cook's Note: Chorizo can be replaced by bacon cut in pieces. Kale can be replaced by baby spinach.