Spaghetti with Prawns, Lime, and Almond Nibs

Spaghetti with prawns, lime, and almond nibs is an elegant and tasty dish that pairs well with the freshness of citrus and the crunchiness of almonds. Here is the recipe for you:

Ingredients

• 320 g of spaghetti
• 400 g of cleaned prawns
• 2 limes (juice and grated zest)
• 100 g of peeled almonds
• 2 cloves of garlic
• Parsley to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Chili pepper to taste (optional)

Preparation

1. Start by toasting the almonds in a pan over medium heat until golden brown, then coarsely chop them to get the nibs and set aside.

2. Boil a pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti al dente.

3. Meanwhile, in a large pan, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and sauté the garlic cloves. If you like, you can add a little piece of chili pepper to give the dish a bit of spice.

4. Add the prawns to the pan with the garlic and cook them until they turn pink and slightly golden.

5. Add the lime juice and half of the grated zest, being careful not to overcook the prawns.

6. Drain the spaghetti one minute before the cooking time is completed and pour them into the pan with the prawns. Toss everything together, adding a little cooking water if necessary to create a light emulsion.

7. Plate the spaghetti and sprinkle with the toasted almond nibs, chopped parsley, the remaining lime zest, and a drizzle of raw oil.

Curiosity

Prawns and lime are a very common pairing in contemporary cuisine, especially for their ability to balance the sweetish flavor of crustaceans with the acidity of citrus fruits. The almond nibs add not only a crunch to the dish but also a slightly toasted flavor that goes well with the delicateness of the prawns. This dish can be served on special occasions as well as for a refined yet simple-to-prepare dinner.

If you want to pair a wine with this dish, an aromatic and fresh white, such as a Vermentino or a Sauvignon, enhances the aromas of the citrus and the freshness of the prawns.