Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Spicy Prawns in a Fiery Mediterranean Sauce
Master this quick and easy spicy prawn dish – a perfect midweek supper or impressive dinner for any occasion!
📖 What is it
Master this quick and easy spicy prawn dish – a perfect midweek supper or impressive dinner for any occasion!
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 1 kg prawns
- ✓ 200 g tomato passata
- ✓ 100 g plum tomatoes
- ✓ 1 onion
- ✓ Wild fennel
- ✓ 1 garlic clove
- ✓ A small bunch of parsley
- ✓ Red chilli pepper
- ✓ Extra virgin olive oil
- ✓ Salt
- ✓ Freshly ground black pepper
📊 Nutritional Information
Let the vibrant aromas of Sicily whisk you away with this recipe for prawns bathed in a bold, spicy sauce. The delicate sweetness of the shellfish paired with lively spices will transport you to warm Mediterranean evenings, full of authentic flavours and seaside tradition.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Blanch the prawns in lightly salted water, then peel off the heads and shells.
- 2
In a frying pan, gently soften the sliced onion and crushed garlic in warm extra virgin olive oil.
- 3
Add the tomato passata and let it reduce slightly.
- 4
Stir in the chopped plum tomatoes, prawns, finely chopped wild fennel, and diced chilli.
- 5
Season with salt and simmer for about eight minutes.
- 6
Serve the prawns with the spicy sauce, garnished with fresh parsley and a grind of black pepper.
💡 Tips and Variations
- •
For an extra layer of warmth, try grating in a little fresh ginger for a fragrant, spicy twist.
- •
If you prefer a milder kick, simply reduce the amount of chilli for a gentler but still flavoursome dish.
- •
Use a non-stick pan to cook the prawns evenly without needing too much oil.
- •
For a vegetarian alternative, swap the prawns for sautéed chestnut mushrooms, keeping the spicy sauce to maintain the dish’s character.
- •
To enhance the umami, add a teaspoon of soy sauce to the sauce, balancing sweetness and savouriness beautifully.
- •
For a gluten-free version, ensure all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free, such as gluten-free soy sauce.
- •
The secret to this recipe lies in balancing the prawns’ natural sweetness with the boldness of the spicy sauce for an unforgettable taste experience.
📦 Storage
- • Store the prawns in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within 48 hours to keep them fresh and flavoursome.
- • For longer storage, freeze the cooked dish well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn; it will keep for up to a month.
- • When reheating, use a pan over low heat to preserve the delicate texture of the prawns and the vibrant flavours of the sauce.
🍷 Pairing
Pair these spicy prawns with a Sicilian white wine like Grillo or Ansonica, which beautifully balance the heat with their fresh, mineral notes. A Contea di Sclafani Ansonica is particularly lovely to complement the dish. Alternatively, a Sicilian Catarratto or a Ligurian Vermentino offer delightful contrasts. For an international option, a lively New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc with citrus hints makes an excellent match.
Cooking these spicy prawns brings a little slice of Sicily right to your table, bursting with authentic flavours and a passion for the sea. I warmly encourage you to give this recipe a go – it’s simple yet full of character, perfect for impressing friends and family alike. Don’t forget to share your culinary triumph and the joy it brings with your loved ones, perhaps even on social media. Happy cooking!
Rate this recipe
Click or tap the stars to rate