Il Cucinologo
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Summer Pappardelle with Mantis Shrimp

17/11/2023

Summer Pappardelle with Mantis Shrimp is a dish that combines the flavors of the sea with the freshness of summer vegetables. I propose a recipe in which typical Mediterranean flavors of Italian cuisine will be highlighted. Mantis shrimp are crustaceans, also known as squilla or sea cicadas, that lend themselves well to light and flavorful sauces.

Ingredients

  • 400 g fresh pappardelle
  • 300 g mantis shrimp (cleaned)
  • 250 g cherry tomatoes
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • A bunch of fresh parsley
  • A glass of dry white wine
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Preparation

  1. Start by cleaning the mantis shrimp, removing the outer shell and any non-edible parts. Only the tails and the central part of the body should remain.
  2. Rinse them under running water to remove any sand residue.
  3. Heat some oil in a large skillet and sauté the garlic until golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, so as not to make the dish bitter.
  4. Add the mantis shrimp to the skillet and let them brown for a couple of minutes.
  5. Deglaze with a glass of white wine and let the alcohol evaporate over medium heat.
  6. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and add them to the mantis shrimp. Cook for about 10 minutes, until the tomatoes start to form a sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pappardelle according to the package instructions for al dente.
  8. Drain the pappardelle and transfer them to the skillet with the mantis shrimp and tomato sauce. Gently stir to combine everything.
  9. Add the chopped parsley, a drizzle of raw olive oil and plate.

For a final touch, you can sprinkle the dish with chopped chili if you like a bit of heat, or add grated lemon zest for extra freshness.

Fun Fact

Pappardelle are a pasta shape typical of Tuscan cuisine in particular, but they have spread throughout Italy for their ability to hold sauce thanks to their width. Pairing them with seafood like mantis shrimp means marrying different traditions in a unique and flavorful dish.