Shrimp Salad

[cori]

Cannellini Bean, Fennel and Shrimp Salad


2 15 oz. cans of cannellini beans drained & rinsed
1 fennel bulb, about 1 lb.
1 lb. medium shrimp, cooked
1/2 tsp. fennel seeds
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 Tbs. red wine vinegar
1/2 tsp. minced garlic
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
1/2 cup diced red onion
6 large lettuce leaves


Cut off the stems and feathery leaves from the fennel bulb; set the leaves aside. Discard the outer layer of the bulb if it is tough and cut away any discolored areas. Quarter the bulb lengthwise and cut away any tough base portions. In a large bowl, combine the fennel with ice water to cover and let soak for 30 minutes. Drain well and cut into 1/4-inch dice. You will have about 2 cups. Finely chop enough of the reserved fennel leaves to yield 1/2 cup.

Peel the shrimp. In a mortar, using a pestle, coarsely crush the fennel seeds. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, fennel seeds, garlic, salt and pepper until blended. Add the chopped fennel bulb and leaves, beans, shrimp and red onion. Fold gently until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Place a lettuce leaf on each plate. Top with the salad, dividing it evenly, and serve immediately. Serves 6.