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Orecchiette with Mantis Shrimp and Zucchini

17/11/2023

Orecchiette with mantis shrimp and zucchini is a delicious variant that combines the flavors of the sea with those of the land, creating a tasty and refined balance. Here is the recipe for preparing this delightful dish:

Ingredients

  • 320 g of orecchiette (typical pasta from Puglia)
  • 500 g of mantis shrimp
  • 2 medium zucchini
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • Fresh parsley to taste
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Chili pepper (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • White wine, one glass

Preparation

  1. Begin by cleaning the mantis shrimp. Cleaning them involves detaching the head from the body and removing the carapace and intestine. Wash the seafood under running water to remove any residues.

  2. Slice the zucchini into rounds or half-moons not too thin so that they do not fall apart during cooking.

  3. Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large pan and sauté the garlic cloves. If you like, you can also add a small piece of chili pepper to give the dish a spicy note.

  4. Add the zucchini to the pan and cook over medium-high heat until they become slightly golden, then adjust with salt.

  5. Add the mantis shrimp to the zucchini, let them braise for a couple of minutes, then deglaze with a glass of white wine. Allow the alcohol to evaporate and continue cooking the mantis shrimp for about 5 minutes, until they are well opened and cooked.

  6. Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orecchiette according to the package instructions to achieve al dente pasta.

  7. Drain the orecchiette and transfer them to the pan with the zucchini and mantis shrimp, keeping some cooking water aside.

  8. Toss everything over high heat to blend the ingredients, adding some of the cooking water if necessary to make the sauce creamier.

  9. Once served, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Curiosity

Mantis shrimp, also known as squilla mantis, are crustaceans that can be found in the Mediterranean Sea and particularly along the Italian coast, from which the dish acquires a very local flavor and tradition, while still having a twist of creativity. Enjoy your meal!