Cuisine : Grilled prawns - How to make Mozambique style grilled prawns

 

Grilled prawns Mozambique style is a flavorful and vibrant dish that showcases the rich culinary heritage of the coastal regions of Mozambique. Known for its bold use of spices, garlic, and the famous peri-peri sauce, this dish reflects the blend of Portuguese and African influences that define Mozambican cuisine. The prawns, usually grilled to perfection, are marinated in a mixture of spices and herbs, giving them a distinctive smoky and spicy flavor. This dish is typically served with rice, fries, or fresh salads, making it a perfect choice for seafood lovers who enjoy a kick of heat.


**How It Is Prepared:**


**Ingredients:**

- 1 kg large prawns (cleaned, deveined, and with shells on)

- 3-4 cloves of garlic (minced)

- 1-2 red chillies or peri-peri peppers (finely chopped)

- 1 tablespoon paprika

- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

- 1/4 cup olive oil

- Salt and black pepper to taste

- Fresh cilantro or parsley (chopped for garnish)


**For the Peri-Peri Sauce:**

- 2-3 peri-peri peppers (or substitute with bird's eye chillies)

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 1 tablespoon vinegar

- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)

- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves of fresh garlic

- Salt to taste

- Juice of one lemon


**Step-by-Step Preparation:**


1. **Prepare the Prawns:**

   Begin by thoroughly cleaning the prawns. Remove the heads (if desired), devein them, and leave the shells on for extra flavor during grilling. Pat them dry with a paper towel.


2. **Marinate the Prawns:**

   In a large bowl, combine minced garlic, chopped chillies or peri-peri peppers, paprika, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Toss the prawns in this marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover the bowl and let the prawns marinate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.


3. **Prepare the Peri-Peri Sauce:**

   In a blender or food processor, combine the peri-peri peppers, olive oil, vinegar, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic, salt, and lemon juice. Blend until you achieve a smooth consistency. Adjust the spice level by adding more peppers or cayenne, depending on your preference. Set aside.


4. **Preheat the Grill:**

   While the prawns are marinating, preheat the grill to medium-high heat. You can also use a stovetop grill pan if you don't have access to an outdoor grill.


5. **Grill the Prawns:**

   Place the marinated prawns on the grill in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shells turn pink and the flesh is opaque. Be careful not to overcook, as prawns can become tough quickly. Brush the prawns with some peri-peri sauce while grilling for added flavor.


6. **Serve:**

   Once the prawns are grilled to perfection, transfer them to a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the prepared peri-peri sauce and garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.


**Serving Suggestions:**

- Pair the grilled prawns with a side of coconut rice or freshly baked bread.

- A side of fries or grilled vegetables complements the dish perfectly.

- For an authentic experience, serve with a refreshing salad and a cold drink to balance the heat from the peri-peri.


Enjoy this bold, flavorful dish that transports you to the warm, sunny coasts of Mozambique!

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