INGREDIENTS
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons canola oil
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 cup minced shallots
1 cup diced yellow bell pepper
2 dried red chiles, such as Kashmiri for mild heat or Thai for extra heat
1 teaspoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1/3 cup diced dried apricots 1 whole preserved lemon, seeded and diced
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Cooked rice, for serving
DIRECTIONS
In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with the lemon juice and ¼ teaspoon salt. Cover and set aside.
Heat the canola oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium heat. When the oil is hot, stir in the cumin and fennel seeds and saute until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Toss in the shallots and bell pepper and continue to cook for 5 to 7 minutes to soften the peppers.
Add the dried chiles, garlic and ginger to the skillet and saute for 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the butter and tomatoes, reduce the heat to low, and simmer, uncovered, until the tomatoes release their juice and it begins to thicken, 12 to 15 minutes.
Toss in the dried apricots, preserved lemon and turmeric and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes to marry the flavorings. Taste for seasoning and an additional ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste.
Stir in the shrimp, coating it with the sauce. Cook, stirring once or twice, just until the shrimp becomes opaque, 3 to 4 minutes, careful not to overcook. Toss in the cilantro and remove any chile tops that popped off during cooking. Serve over rice.
