Fresh Georgia Shrimp, Tomato, Basil, and Garlic Sauce over Angel Hair Pasta

A new way to prepare our favorite: Wild Georgia Shrimp!

By Guerry Norwood

Ingredients

· 2 pounds ripe tomatoes

· 1 Pound of Georgia shrimp, peeled and deveined

· 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

· 1 red onion, finely chopped

· 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

· 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

· 1 oregano sprig

· Pinch chili flakes

· 1 teaspoon sugar

· 1 pound dried angel hair pasta

· 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, plus more for garnish

· 1/4 cup chopped basil, plus whole sprigs for garnish

Directions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and prepare an ice water bath.

Cut a small “x” on the bottom of each tomato. In batches, place the tomatoes in the boiling water and blanch them for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until the skins are easy to peel away. Remove and immediately plunge into the ice bath.

Peel the tomatoes and halve horizontally. Squeeze out the seeds, using your fingers to get them all. Roughly chop the peeled and seeded tomatoes. Set aside.

Heat a large sauté pan over medium high heat. Add the olive oil and heat. When the oil is hot, add the shrimp, onions and garlic and sauté for 2 minutes. Remove shrimp and set aside. Add the thyme leaves, oregano sprig, and chili flakes and sauté until the garlic begins to turn golden brown. Add the tomatoes and the sugar and stir well. Lower the heat and cook slowly, about 15 minutes. Add the shrimp back in the last five minutes of this process.

Cook the angel hair pasta in boiling, salted water until al dente. Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce. Add the Parmesan and basil and toss well. Place in a large pasta bowl and garnish with Parmesan and basil sprigs.