- 1 lb firm fresh tomatillos, husks discarded and tomatillos rinsed in warm water and halved
- 1 lb fresh poblano chiles (about 4), seeds and ribs discarded, and chiles coarsely chopped
- 8 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 lb large shrimp in shell (21 to 25 per lb)
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 4 cups loosely packed fresh cilantro sprigs
- 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
- Accompaniment: rice
- Combine tomatillos, chiles, 4 garlic cloves, water, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a 4-quart saucepan and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until tomatillos are tender, 10 to 12 minutes. (Chiles will not be tender.)
- While tomatillos are simmering, peel and devein shrimp. Rinse and pat dry, then toss with 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Working in batches if necessary, purée tomatillo mixture, oil, and cilantro in a blender until smooth (use caution when blending hot liquids). Force through a medium-mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing hard on and then discarding solids.
- Heat butter in a deep 12-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat until foam subsides, then add remaining 4 garlic cloves, 2 cups tomatillo sauce, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and bring to a simmer. Add shrimp and simmer, stirring, 2 minutes. Add remaining sauce and simmer, stirring, until shrimp are just cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Available at Latino markets and many supermarkets.