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Sicilian Shrimp Po' Boys

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)

  • 4 anchovy fillets

  • 1 red fresno chile pepper, thinly sliced, or 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper

  • 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

  • 1/2 cup dry vermouth or white wine

  • 2 pints cherry tomatoes

  • 3 tablespoons capote capers, drained and chopped

  • 1 1/2 pounds shrimp (16-20 count)--shelled, deveined and butterflied

  • Sea salt and pepper

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • 1 lemon, juiced

  • 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley

  • Shredded romaine lettuce, for serving

  • 4 ciabatta or other Italian-style sub rolls, split and toasted

Directions

In a skillet or pot with a tight-fitting lid, heat 3 tablespoons EVOO, 3 turns of the pan, over medium heat. Melt the anchovies into the oil, then stir in the chile and garlic for 2 - 3 minutes. Stir in 1/4 cup vermouth (or white wine), then the tomatoes and capers. Cover the pan, increase the heat and cook, shaking the pan occasionally, until the tomatoes burst, about 15 minutes. Break up the burst tomatoes a bit with a wooden spoon, then remove the pan from the heat.

When the sauce is about done, in a large skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons EVOO, 2 turns of the pan, over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and season with sea salt and pepper; toss until firm and opaque, 3 - 5 minutes. Pour in the remaining 1/4 cup vermouth (or white wine) to deglaze the pan. Add the butter to melt, then stir in the lemon juice and parsley.

Pile some lettuce into the warm rolls. Top with the shrimp and lots of sauce.