Tahitian shrimps in coconut-vanilla sauce

We start this New Year with a delicious recipe!
The best vanilla in the world comes from Tahiti, and Tahitian chefs are known for their fabulous creamy coconut and vanilla sauce. This rich recipe uses shrimps, but you could also use fish or chicken.

• Oil — 2 to 3 tablespoons
• Shrimps, peeled and deveined — 2 pounds
• Tahitian vanilla bean — 1
• Rum — 1/2 cup
• Coconut milk — 1 cup
• Heavy cream — 1 cup
• Salt and pepper — to season

• Heat the oil in a saute pan or skillet over medium-high flame. Add the shrimp and saute until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
• Slit the vanilla bean down the middle and scrape out the seeds. Add the rum, vanilla bean pod and seeds to the pan and bring to a boil. Cook until the rum is largely evaporated.
• Pour in the coconut milk and cream. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer slowly until the sauce is thickened and its volume is reduced by about half.
• Remove the vanilla bean pod and return the shrimp to the pan. Simmer to heat through and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot over rice with a side of sauteed spinach or chard.

Bon appétit!