Prawns with Peppers

Prawns with Peppers Recipe from Venezuela - Delicious Seafood Dish

Region / culture: Venezuela | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Prawns with Peppers is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of red peppers with the succulent taste of prawns. This dish is perfect for a special dinner or a gathering with friends and family.

History

Prawns with Peppers is a traditional Mediterranean dish that has been enjoyed for generations. The combination of prawns and peppers is a classic pairing that highlights the fresh flavors of the sea and the earthy sweetness of the peppers.

Ingredients

900 g (2 lb) raw prawns (shrimp) with shells
480 ml (16 fl oz) olive oil
3 large red capsicums (sweet peppers), de-seeded and cut into julienne
4 garlic cloves, sliced
1 chilli pepper, de-seeded and finely chopped
slices of french bread to serve

How to prepare

Slit the prawns up the back with a sharp knife and remove the vein.
Do not remove the shells.
Place 300 ml / 10 fl oz of oil in a frying pan along with the capsicum and heat slowly over low to medium heat.
Cook very gently for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the peppers are very tender but not browned.
Remove from the heat and set aside.
Meanwhile, place the remaining oil in another frying pan along with the garlic pieces and cook over low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring, until soft and golden.
Remove the garlic with a slotted spoon and add it to the peppers.
Reheat the garlic oil until hot, add the chili pepper and the prawns, and sauté for a few minutes only, stirring, until they turn pink.
To serve - transfer the peppers and their oil to a shallow serving bowl and arrange the prawns around the edges.
To eat - each diner helps themselves to a slice of French stick, dips bread into the oil to soak it, then piles some of the pepper mixture over the soaked bread and tops it with a prawn.

Variations

Add some diced tomatoes or olives to the pepper mixture for added flavor.
Substitute the prawns with chicken or tofu for a different twist on the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to devein the prawns before cooking to remove any grit or impurities.

- Cooking the peppers slowly over low heat helps to bring out their natural sweetness and flavor.

- Be careful not to overcook the prawns, as they can become tough and rubbery if cooked for too long.

Serving Suggestions

Prawns with Peppers can be served as a main dish with a side of rice or crusty bread. It can also be served as an appetizer or tapas dish for a party or gathering.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the prawns in garlic oil for a quick and flavorful cooking method.

- Slowly cook the peppers over low heat to bring out their natural sweetness and flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use yellow or orange peppers instead of red peppers for a different color and flavor profile.

- Substitute the prawns with scallops or mussels for a seafood variation.

Make Ahead Tips

The peppers can be cooked ahead of time and reheated before serving.

- The prawns can be marinated in garlic oil for added flavor.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Prawns with Peppers in a shallow serving bowl with the prawns arranged around the edges. - Garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Prawns with Peppers with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

- Pair with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Reheat in a frying pan over low heat until warmed through, being careful not to overcook the prawns.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Prawns with Peppers contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Prawns with Peppers contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Prawns with Peppers contains approximately 30 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Prawns with Peppers contains approximately 40 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Prawns are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, vitamin D, and selenium. Red peppers are rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and antioxidants.

Alergens

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

Summary

Prawns with Peppers is a nutritious dish that is high in protein and healthy fats. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy and delicious meal option.

Summary

Prawns with Peppers is a delicious and flavorful dish that highlights the natural sweetness of red peppers and the succulent taste of prawns. This dish is perfect for a special dinner or a gathering with friends and family.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through an old recipe book that belonged to my great-grandmother. As I flipped through the yellowed pages, my eyes landed on a faded recipe for Prawns with Peppers.

I had never tried this dish before, but the combination of succulent prawns and colorful peppers intrigued me. I could almost smell the tantalizing aroma of garlic and spices wafting from the pot as I read through the ingredients and instructions.

My great-grandmother had written notes in the margins of the page, detailing how she had learned to make this dish from a friend who had traveled to Spain. The recipe had been passed down through generations, each cook adding their own twist to the dish.

Excited to try something new, I gathered all the ingredients and set to work in the kitchen. As I chopped the vibrant red, yellow, and green peppers, I thought about the women who had come before me, each one adding their own touch to this timeless recipe.

I sautéed the peppers in olive oil until they were soft and fragrant, then added the prawns and a splash of white wine. The sizzle of the prawns hitting the hot pan filled the kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma that made my stomach growl in anticipation.

I seasoned the dish with a blend of paprika, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of saffron, just like my great-grandmother had instructed. The rich colors of the spices mingled with the peppers and prawns, creating a dish that looked as beautiful as it smelled.

As I sat down to enjoy my first bite of Prawns with Peppers, I closed my eyes and savored the flavors dancing on my taste buds. The sweetness of the peppers paired perfectly with the briny seafood, while the spices added a depth of flavor that lingered on my palate.

I could almost hear the laughter of my ancestors echoing in the room as I ate, knowing that I was continuing a tradition that had been passed down through generations. The recipe for Prawns with Peppers had brought me closer to my family history, connecting me to the women who had come before me and who had shared their love of cooking with me.

From that day on, Prawns with Peppers became a staple in my kitchen. I would make it for family gatherings, special occasions, or simply when I wanted to treat myself to a delicious meal. Each time I cooked it, I felt a connection to my great-grandmother and the generations of women who had come before me, all of us linked by a shared love of good food and the joy of sharing it with others.

As I grew older, I continued to add my own twist to the recipe, experimenting with different spices and ingredients to make it my own. But no matter how much I changed it, the heart of the dish remained the same, a testament to the enduring power of family traditions and the love that binds us together.

And now, as I pass this recipe on to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will carry on the tradition and make Prawns with Peppers a part of your own culinary repertoire. May it bring you as much joy and connection to our family history as it has brought me.

With love,

Your Grandma