Shrimp Stock

Serves

Save your shrimp shells to make this flavorful stock, a perfect base for soups, risottos and more — try it in our Lemony Shrimp and Arugula Risotto.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons canola oil
1 carrot (peeled and roughly chopped)
1 stalk of celery (roughly chopped)
1 small yellow onion (roughly chopped)
4 springs of fresh Italian parsley (including stems)
6 black peppercorns
1 pound Shrimp shells and tails (more than a pound will enhance flavor)
2/3 cup dry white wine
1 small bay leaf
1 tablespoon tomato paste

Directions

Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the carrots, celery, onion, parsley and peppercorns. Cook, stirring frequently, for 2 minutes.

Add the shrimp shells and tail pieces and cook the mixture for 5 minutes.

Add the wine and bay leaf, increase heat to high, and cook until the wine evaporates, about 4 minutes.

Add the tomato paste and 8 cups of cold water. Bring the stock to a boil and then lower the heat to maintain a simmer. Cook until the liquid reduces by about half.

Strain the stock, discard the solids. Use hot, or cool and freeze for up to 3 months.