Italian Fish Recipes - Dinner Party Prawns (Gamberetti per Cena Festiva) Recipe

• 350 g/12 oz/1 1/2 cups Italian rice

• 2.5 ml/1/2 tsp salt

• 30 ml/2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 garlic cloves, crushed

• 900 g/2 lb large raw prawns (jumbo shrimp), peeled

• 1 large red (bell) pepper, chopped

• 2.5 ml/1/2 tsp cayenne

• 30 ml/2 tbsp light brown sugar

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 10 ml/2 tsp corn flour (cornstarch)

• 250 ml/8 fl oz/1 cup red wine

• 15 ml/1 tbsp chopped fresh basil

Method:

1. Place the rice in a large saucepan and cover with water. Add the salt and bring to the boil.

2. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes until just tender. Drain. Transfer to a warmed serving dish and keep warm.

3. Place half the oil in a large frying pan (skillet) and cook the garlic and prawns for 10 minutes. Remove and place on top of the rice. Keep warm.

4. Add the red pepper and remaining oil. Cook, stirring, for 3 minutes until soft. Stir in the cayenne, brown sugar and season with salt and pepper.

5. Dissolve the corn flour in a little of the red wine and add to the peppers with the remaining wine and basil.

6. Bring to the boil and cook for 1 minute, stirring. Pour over the prawns and serve.