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Basmati Rice with Grilled Prawns and Peppers

17/11/2023

Here is a recipe to prepare a delicious basmati rice with grilled prawns and peppers, with an Italian twist.

Ingredients

  • 200 g of basmati rice
  • 400 g of fresh or frozen prawns
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 1 yellow bell pepper
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Chopped parsley to taste
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon of paprika (optional)

Preparation

  1. Start by washing the peppers, remove the stem, seeds and the white inner parts, then cut them into strips or medium-sized cubes, depending on your preference.
  2. Place the peppers on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, season them with a drizzle of oil, salt, and, if you like, a dusting of paprika. Roast in the oven at 200 °C for about 15-20 minutes, until they are soft and lightly caramelized.
  3. While the peppers are in the oven, wash the prawns and shell them, leaving only the tail. Also remove the intestinal thread.
  4. Flavor the prawns with an emulsion made of oil, crushed garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Let marinate for about 10-15 minutes.
  5. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the basmati rice according to the package instructions for cooking time, usually around 10-12 minutes for al dente. Drain and set aside.
  6. Heat a grill or a pan to the highest temperature. Cook the prawns for about 2 minutes per side, until they are well colored and cooked to the desired point.
  7. Now you can compose the dish: distribute the basmati rice on the plates, add the grilled peppers and lay the prawns on top. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and if you wish, you can add a raw drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and an extra squirt of lemon for freshness.

Curiosity

The prawn, especially in Italian cuisine, is often accompanied by citrus aromas such as lemon, which enhance its delicate flavor without overpowering it. For an even more Italian variation, you could add grated lemon zest both in the prawn marinade and sprinkled on top of the finished dish to accentuate the citrus aroma.

I hope you enjoy this tasty and refined dish. Bon appétit!