Il Cucinologo
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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 touch.

Ingredients

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

Preparation

  1. Start by washing the peppers, remove the stem, seeds and internal white parts, then cut them into strips or medium-sized cubes, depending on your preferences.
  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 sprinkle of paprika. Bake at 200 °C for about 15-20 minutes, until they are soft and slightly caramelized.
  3. While the peppers are in the oven, wash the prawns and peel them, leaving only the tail. Also remove the intestinal vein.
  4. Season 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 following the package instructions for cooking times, usually around 10-12 minutes to keep it al dente. Drain and set aside.
  6. Heat a grill or a pan to maximum temperature. Cook the prawns for about 2 minutes per side, until they are well colored and cooked to the desired doneness.
  7. Now you can assemble the dish: distribute the basmati rice on the plates, add the grilled peppers and place the prawns on top. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and, if desired, you can add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil raw and an extra squeeze of lemon for freshness.

Fun Fact

The prawn, mainly in Italian cuisine, is often accompanied by citrus aromas like lemon, which enhance its delicate flavor without overpowering it. For an even more Italian variant, you could add grated lemon zest both in the prawn marinade and sprinkled over the finished dish to accentuate the citrus aroma.

I hope you enjoy this tasty and refined dish. Enjoy your meal!