Saffron Shrimp Crab Cakes

1. 1

   Pulse all sauce ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Transfer to a small bowl and chill, covered, until ready to use.

2. 2

   Sprinkle saffron into water in a 1-quart heavy saucepan and boil over moderately high heat until liquid is reduced to 1 tablespoon, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer to a small bowl, then cool completely.

3. 3

   Heat oil (1 tablespoon) in a 10-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat until hot but not smoking, then cook onion, carrot, and celery, stirring occasionally, until pale golden, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool.

4. 4

   Put oven racks in upper and lower thirds of oven and preheat oven to 400u00b0F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly brush parchment with oil.

5. 5

   Whisk together 1 egg, cream, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.

6. 6

   Pat shrimp dry and transfer half of shrimp to clean food processor, then add saffron reduction, shallot, garlic, chipotle, and 1/2 cup

7. 7

   . Puree until smooth, then, with motor running, add egg mixture in a slow stream, blending until just incorporated.

8. 8

   Chop remaining shrimp very coarsely (about 1/3-inch pieces) and stir together with remaining 1/2 cup

9. 9

   , 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and carrot mixture. Lightly beat remaining egg and stir into shrimp and vegetable mixture along with shrimp puree, then fold in crabmeat until just combined.

10. 10

    Loosely fill a 1/4-cup measure with crab mixture and drop onto a lined baking sheet. Make about 23 more cakes in same manner, dropping onto baking sheets about 1 inch apart. Flatten tops gently to form 2 1/2-inch-wide cakes (about 1 inch high) and bake, switching position of sheets halfway through baking, until tops are lightly browned, about 15 minutes total. Serve shrimp crab cakes with sauce on the side.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.