Il Cucinologo
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Christmas Parcels with Scampi, Ginger and Lime

17/11/2023

The Christmas parcels with scampi, ginger and lime are a delicate and aromatic appetizer, perfect for a festive dinner. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

  • 12 medium-sized scampi
  • 1 lime (grated zest and juice)
  • 1 piece of fresh ginger
  • Parchment paper
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 bunch of fresh parsley
  • 1 clove of garlic

Preparation

  1. Start by cleaning the scampi: remove the head and the shell, leaving the tail intact. Cut along the back and remove the intestinal vein. Rinse under cold running water.
  2. Grate the fresh ginger and the lime zest. Transfer to a bowl and add the lime juice, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, chopped parsley and a clove of garlic cut in half (which you will remove after flavoring).
  3. Add the scampi to the bowl and let everything marinate for about 15-20 minutes.
  4. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180 °C.
  5. Cut the parchment paper into squares large enough to comfortably hold the scampi.
  6. In the center of each parchment paper square, place one scampo with a little of the marinade.
  7. Close the parchment paper to form well-sealed parcels so that the steam is retained inside during cooking.
  8. Arrange the parcels on a baking tray and cook in the preheated oven at 180 °C for about 10 minutes.
  9. Serve the Christmas parcels still closed, allowing your guests to open them and be surprised by the aroma that will be released.

Interesting Facts

Christmas parcels, in addition to being an original way to present the scampi, allow all the aromas and flavors to be preserved inside, thanks to the cooking in parchment. Ginger and lime are two ingredients that pair well with seafood, adding a fresh and slightly spicy note to the dish.

For an Italian touch, you could accompany the parcels with a fresh arugula salad and Parmesan shavings, or if you prefer, sprinkle the cooked parcels with a little grated bottarga to enhance the flavor of the sea.

I hope this recipe adds a special touch to your Christmas dinner!