Prawn Palava

Prawn Palava Recipe from Sierra Leone

Region / culture: Sierra Leone | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Prawn Palava is a delicious and flavorful West African dish that combines prawns with a rich and spicy peanut sauce. This dish is perfect for seafood lovers looking to try something new and exciting.

History

Prawn Palava has its origins in West Africa, where it is a popular dish enjoyed by many. The combination of prawns, peanuts, and spinach creates a unique and delicious flavor profile that is sure to impress.

Ingredients

2 tbsp oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
7 oz (198 g) can of chopped tomatoes
2 tbsp peanut butter or ground peanuts
1 pt (473 ml) water
1 sprig of thyme
chilli pepper and salt
1 lb (454 g) fresh or frozen spinach
1 small piece of smoked fish (for flavor)
1 lb (454 g) fresh or frozen prawns

How to prepare

Put oil in a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
When the oil is hot, add the onions and tomatoes.
Cook on high heat, stirring for 5 minutes.
Reduce the heat to moderate and add peanut butter, mixing well into the sauce with half of the water.
Stir well and allow to cook, gently bubbling, for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the remaining water, thyme, pepper, and salt.
Wash and finely chop the fresh spinach, then stir it into the sauce and allow it to cook on moderate heat until the sauce thickens (about 20 minutes).
Add the smoked and drained prawns.
Stir and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
Serve with boiled yams and rice.

Variations

You can add other vegetables such as bell peppers or okra to the dish for added flavor and nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use fresh prawns for the best flavor and texture.

- Adjust the amount of chili salt to suit your taste preferences.

- Be sure to stir the sauce regularly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

- Serve the Prawn Palava with boiled yams and rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Prawn Palava with boiled yams and rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Prawn Palava is to cook the sauce slowly to allow the flavors to develop and meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh prawns, you can use frozen prawns instead.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook the prawns.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Prawn Palava in a large serving dish with a garnish of fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Prawn Palava pairs well with a crisp white wine or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

320 per serving

Carbohydrates

23g per serving

Fats

15g per serving

Proteins

28g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Prawn Palava is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals such as iron and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains peanuts and shellfish.

Summary

Prawn Palava is a nutritious dish that is high in protein and vitamins. It is a great option for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Summary

Prawn Palava is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for seafood lovers. With its rich peanut sauce and tender prawns, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Nigeria. My grandmother, who was known for her delicious cooking, had passed down many recipes to me. But the recipe for Prawn Palava was one that I had to discover on my own.

I remember it like it was yesterday. It was a hot summer day, and I had been out exploring the village when I stumbled upon a small market. As I wandered through the stalls, I came across a woman selling fresh prawns and vegetables. The aroma of the spices and herbs she used in her cooking wafted through the air, drawing me in like a magnet.

I watched as she cooked up a batch of Prawn Palava, a traditional Nigerian dish that combines succulent prawns with a rich and flavorful sauce made from tomatoes, peppers, onions, and a blend of aromatic spices. I knew I had to learn how to make it for myself.

I approached the woman and asked her if she would be willing to share her recipe with me. She smiled warmly and invited me to watch as she prepared the dish. I eagerly took notes, scribbling down every ingredient and step in my notebook.

As she cooked, she explained the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients and taking the time to let the flavors meld together. She showed me how to properly season the prawns and how to sauté the vegetables until they were tender and fragrant.

After she finished cooking, she invited me to taste the dish. The flavors exploded in my mouth, and I knew that I had stumbled upon something truly special. I thanked the woman profusely, and she handed me a small card with the recipe written on it.

I rushed home to my grandmother's house, eager to recreate the dish for her. I gathered all the ingredients I needed and set to work in the kitchen. As I cooked, the memories of the woman's kind smile and the delicious aromas of the market filled my mind.

When I finally presented the dish to my grandmother, she took one bite and smiled in approval. "You have truly outdone yourself, my dear," she said. "This Prawn Palava is just as delicious as the one I used to make."

From that day on, Prawn Palava became a staple in our household. I would cook it for special occasions and family gatherings, always sharing the story of how I had discovered the recipe with anyone who would listen.

Over the years, I have made some tweaks and adjustments to the recipe, adding my own personal touch to make it truly my own. But the essence of the dish remains the same – a flavorful and aromatic blend of prawns, vegetables, and spices that never fails to impress.

Now, as I stand in my kitchen, preparing a batch of Prawn Palava for my own grandchildren, I can't help but think back to that fateful day in the market. That chance encounter with the kind woman who shared her recipe with me set me on a path of culinary discovery that has brought me so much joy and fulfillment.

As I serve the dish to my family, I know that the tradition of Prawn Palava will continue for generations to come. And every time we gather around the table to enjoy this delicious meal, I will remember the woman who first introduced me to it and smile in gratitude for the culinary journey she set me on.