Quarnita-bit-tewm (Maltese Garlic Prawns)

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) large prawns, peeled and deveined 500g (1.1 lb) large prawns, peeled and deveined
• 6 cloves of garlic, minced 6 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Crusty bread, for serving Crusty bread, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories: 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat: 15g (Saturated Fat: 2g)
• Carbohydrates: 2g (Sugars: 0g)
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, chopped parsley, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
2. 2.
   Add the prawns to the bowl and toss them gently to coat them evenly with the garlic mixture. Allow the prawns to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated prawns to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque.
4. 4.
   Remove the prawns from the skillet and transfer them to a serving plate.
5. 5.
   Drizzle any remaining garlic-infused oil from the skillet over the prawns.
6. 6.
   Garnish with additional chopped parsley and serve hot with crusty bread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Prawns — Ensure that the prawns are fresh and properly deveined for the best taste and texture.
• Garlic — Mince the garlic finely to evenly distribute its flavor throughout the dish.
• Olive oil — Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Red pepper flakes — Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your desired level of spiciness.
• Crusty bread — Choose a crusty bread with a chewy texture to complement the prawns and soak up the flavorful oil.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice over the cooked prawns before serving.
• If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, reduce the amount of minced garlic in the marinade.
• Serve the prawns with a side of lemon wedges for guests to squeeze over their prawns according to their taste preferences.
• To make the dish more substantial, serve it over a bed of cooked rice or pasta.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile of the dish.

Serving advice

Serve the Quarnita-bit-tewm as an appetizer or main course. Arrange the prawns on a platter, drizzle with the garlic-infused oil, and garnish with fresh parsley. Accompany the dish with warm crusty bread to mop up the flavorful oil.

Presentation advice

For an elegant presentation, place the cooked prawns on individual serving plates, arranging them in a circular pattern. Drizzle the garlic-infused oil over the prawns and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve with a side of crusty bread and lemon wedges.