Prawns are relatively expensive compared to some of the other ingredients of the week that we’ve featured. They’ll certainly cost you more per kilo than frozen spinach or a few slices of old bread. But if you get good ones, they add so much in terms of flavour and texture that even a small amount really enhances a dish. And it’s possible to get good value on them if you shop around a little.
The best value by far that I’ve found is in the Oriental Emporium in Dublin (branches in Rathmines, Georges St and by the Jervis St Luas), where you can get a kilo of frozen jumbo tiger prawns (peeled and deveined) for €16. The prawns are really flavourful, unlike those small pink tasteless ones, and they’re so large that you only need a scant handful per person in a curry or a similar dish. A kilo will last in your freezer for ages and the prawns are good enough to be used in salads.
Prawns with Avocado and Tomato on Crusty Bread
This is a type of guacamole with prawns, and it makes a lovely light meal. Serves two.
Ingredients
- 1 avocado
- 2 tomatoes, chopped small
- Small bunch fresh coriander
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 small handfuls tiger prawns
- 1 finely chopped red or green chilli (optional)
Instructions
- Boil the tiger prawns in lightly salted water until they’re cooked through. Put to one side.
- Scoop out the avocado flesh and mash it in a bowl. Add the crushed garlic, chopped coriander, chilli and chopped tomato. Squeeze in the lime juice and mash everything together. Mix in the cooked prawns.
- Toast the crusty bread, and spread the mixture on top.