Recipe: Annatto Reddened Grilled Shrimp with Peruvian Potatoes

Annatto Reddened Grilled Shrimp with Peruvian Potatoes
Comments: The original recipe title as listed is "Annatto Reddened Grilled Shrimp With Peruvian Purple Potatoes And Caramelized Plantain Crema".

FOR THE SHRIMP
1 tbsp Annatto seeds
1 cup Olive oil
24 large Shrimp, peeled, de-veined
1 large Lime, cut in half
Salt, to taste
Freshly-ground black pepper, to taste

FOR THE POTATOES
12 Peruvian purple potatoes
1 Red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, diced small
1 Yellow bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, diced small
1 Red onion, peeled, diced fine
1/4 cup Coarsely-chopped cilantro leaves
1/3 cup Champagne vinegar
2/3 cup Virgin olive oil
Salt, to taste
Freshly-cracked black pepper, to taste

FOR THE PLANTAIN CREAM
1 Ripe plantain, peeled, and cut into small pieces
1 tbsp Olive oil
1 tbsp Butter
1 Scotch bonnet chile pepper, stemmed, seeded, and minced
1/2 Red Onion, peeled, diced small
3 tbsp Spanish sherry wine vinegar
2 cups Heavy cream
Salt, to taste
Freshly-ground black pepper, to taste

Heat the annatto seeds in a small saucepan until slightly toasty. Add the olive oil and continue to heat for 3 to 4 minutes. Turn off and allow to cool. Now strain the oil and pour it over the shrimp. Turn the shrimp over and allow to marinate at least 10 minutes. Squeeze the lime over the shrimp and season. Keep cool until ready to cook and serve.

For the potatoes: Put the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water. Cook about 15 minutes or until just barely cooked through. Now shock them in ice cold water to arrest the cooking. Drain and dice them into 3/4-inch sized pieces.

Mix the remaining ingredients in a separate bowl. Pour them over the cooked potatoes. Season to taste. Mix gently and allow to cool before serving.

For the plantain crema: Heat a medium-large saucepan on medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and butter. When the butter melts add the plantain slices. Allow them to cook until quite dark on each side. Now add the chile and red onion and stir. When they are softened add the vinegar and reduce for 30 seconds. Now add the cream and reduce by 1/3. Stir as needed. Blend all together and strain through a medium fine strainer. Set aside in a warm place.

To serve: Heat a grill or grill pan. Lightly oil grill to prevent sticking. Grill the shrimp until just done. Place the cool potatoes in the middle of each plate or on to a "family" styled serving platter.

Spoon some of the prepared plantain crema on each plate, (or platter) and top with the shrimp. Serve. Can be garnished with fried plantain crisps and lime wedges. This recipe yields 4 servings.