Prawns Mozambique

Prawns Mozambique Recipe from Democratic Republic of Congo

Region / culture: Democratic Republic of Congo | Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Prawns Mozambique is a delicious and flavorful dish that originates from the coastal regions of Mozambique. This dish features succulent prawns marinated in a spicy and tangy sauce, then grilled to perfection. It is a popular dish that is perfect for seafood lovers looking for a taste of the tropics.

History

Prawns Mozambique is a traditional dish that has been enjoyed for generations in Mozambique. The dish is believed to have been influenced by the Portuguese colonial presence in the region, as well as the abundance of fresh seafood along the coast. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include a variety of spices and flavors, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Ingredients

Per serving

3 tbsp olive or vegetable oil
1-2 hot red chile peppers or 1 tsp red pepper flakes
juice of one lemon or wine vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
1 tbsp parsley or cilantro, chopped
2 dashes of salt
several prawns; cleaned, de-veined, tails left on (the larger the prawns, the better)

How to prepare

In a glass or nonmetallic bowl, combine all the ingredients except the prawns. Before adding the prawns, transfer about half of the mixture to another bowl or jar to reserve as a sauce.
Add the prawns to the remaining marinade and gently toss to ensure they are well coated. Allow the prawns to marinate for a few hours or longer. Remove the prawns and set them aside.
Pour the used marinade into a pan and bring it to a quick boil on the stove.
If desired, thread the prawns onto skewers. Cook the prawns on a charcoal grill over glowing coals, turning once and basting with the cooked marinade. Cooking times will vary depending on the size of the prawns, typically a few minutes per side. Be cautious not to overcook.
Serve immediately with the reserved sauce for dipping.

Variations

Add chopped tomatoes or bell peppers to the marinade for added flavor.
Use different types of seafood, such as shrimp or lobster, in place of prawns.
Experiment with different spices and herbs to customize the flavor to your liking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the prawns for at least a few hours to allow the flavors to fully develop.

- Be careful not to overcook the prawns, as they can become tough and rubbery.

- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor, including fresh garlic, onions, and cilantro.

- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.

Serving Suggestions

Prawns Mozambique can be served with rice, couscous, or a fresh salad. It pairs well with a crisp white wine or a cold beer.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling is the preferred cooking method for Prawns Mozambique, as it adds a smoky flavor to the dish. However, you can also cook the prawns in a skillet or broil them in the oven.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have prawns, you can use shrimp or another type of seafood in this recipe. You can also adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the prawns ahead of time and keep them in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook them. The reserved sauce can also be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Prawns Mozambique on a platter with the reserved sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Prawns Mozambique pairs well with a variety of side dishes, including rice, couscous, or grilled vegetables. It also pairs nicely with a crisp white wine or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Prawns Mozambique can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the prawns in a skillet over low heat until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Per serving: 250 calories

Carbohydrates

Per serving: 3g

Fats

Per serving: 15g

Proteins

Per serving: 20g

Vitamins and minerals

Prawns are a good source of vitamin B12, vitamin E, and selenium.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish (prawns) and may not be suitable for those with shellfish allergies.

Summary

Prawns Mozambique is a high-protein dish that is relatively low in carbohydrates and fats. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for seafood lovers.

Summary

Prawns Mozambique is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for seafood lovers. With a spicy and tangy marinade, these grilled prawns are sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy this taste of the tropics with a side of rice or salad for a complete meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the first time I saw this recipe for Prawns Mozambique. It was a warm summer evening, and I was just a young girl visiting my aunt in Mozambique. My aunt was a fantastic cook, and she always seemed to effortlessly whip up the most delicious dishes. That evening, as we sat down for dinner, she brought out a steaming platter of prawns cooked in a rich and spicy sauce. The aroma alone was enough to make my mouth water.

As I savored each bite of the prawns, I knew I had to learn how to make this dish myself. My aunt was more than happy to teach me her recipe, and so began my culinary journey with Prawns Mozambique.

The first step in making this dish is to marinate the prawns in a mixture of lime juice, garlic, and paprika. This step is crucial as it imparts a tangy and flavorful base to the prawns. My aunt taught me the importance of letting the prawns marinate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to fully develop.

While the prawns were marinating, my aunt began preparing the sauce. She sautéed onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers in a generous amount of olive oil until they were soft and fragrant. Then she added in a blend of spices - cumin, coriander, and red pepper flakes - to give the sauce a kick of heat.

Once the sauce had simmered and thickened, my aunt added in coconut milk to create a creamy and decadent finish. The combination of the spicy tomato sauce and the creamy coconut milk was a match made in culinary heaven.

Finally, it was time to cook the prawns. My aunt heated a large skillet over high heat and seared the prawns until they were cooked through and slightly charred. She then added the prawns to the sauce and let them simmer together for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the prawns to soak up the sauce.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, I couldn't help but marvel at how such simple ingredients could come together to create something so incredibly delicious. The prawns were tender and juicy, and the sauce was bursting with bold flavors.

Over the years, I have made Prawns Mozambique countless times, each time tweaking the recipe slightly to suit my taste. I have shared this recipe with friends and family, and it has become a staple in my culinary repertoire.

I owe a debt of gratitude to my aunt for introducing me to this incredible dish and for instilling in me a love of cooking. Every time I make Prawns Mozambique, I am transported back to that warm summer evening in Mozambique, surrounded by loved ones and savoring the flavors of a dish that has become a cherished part of my culinary history.