Steamed prawns with tomato and basil jelly
It’s normal to hesitate before trying a recipe involving steamed food, or to think that it is only suitable for someone on a special diet. And it’s certainly true that steaming involves fat-free cooking and is therefore ideal for those looking to stay in shape. However, healthy eating is not synonymous with bland eating. This recipe for steamed prawns with tomato jelly and basil is proof of that, and demonstrates how steaming can be tasty as well as an extremely up-to-date cooking method. Serve your prawns in small portions and you'll make a great impression! Also, this recipe shows us, once again, that the less you do to fish when cooking them, the more delicious they will be!
Ingredients
* approximate values per serving
Preparation
Take the gelatine and soften it in 500 g of cold water and dissolve in a bowl over some gently simmering water (or in a bain-marie). Add the pureed onion, half the dissolved gelatine and a pinch of salt to the tomato passata, pour into a mould and refrigerate. Blanch, cool and blend 100g of basil with 100 g of water, add the remaining gelatine, some salt, and pour into a mould and refrigerate. Steam the prawns for 2 minutes. Place the remaining basil and prawns in a bowl, garnish with the tomato jelly and basil, and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil mixed with lemon.
Step by step
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Steam the prawns for two minutes
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Soften the gelatine in 500g cold water and then dissolve it over a pan of simmering water or in a bain marie
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Add the pureed onion, half of the melted gelatine and a pinch of salt to the tomato passata, pour into a mould and refrigerate
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Prepare an emulsion of olive oil and lemon
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Put the tomato jelly and the basil and lemon emulsion into little glasses
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Add the prawns and serve
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You could also decide to serve this dish in a more traditional way
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Additional information
Steamed Shrimp with Tomato and Basil Gelée and Potatoes
A tasty variant of steamed shrimp is the one with the addition of potatoes. To prepare this dish, start by boiling the potatoes until tender, then cut them into cubes. Steam the shrimp together with the potatoes for about 5 minutes, so they absorb the flavors of the dish. The tomato and basil gelée remains a fundamental element, providing freshness and a touch of originality. This combination not only enriches the dish nutritionally but also offers a pleasant variety of textures. Serving the shrimp and potatoes on a bed of gelée will make the dish appealing and perfect for a summer lunch or a light dinner.
Steamed Shrimp with Neapolitan Tomato and Basil Gelée
One way to reinterpret steamed shrimp is to draw inspiration from Neapolitan culinary tradition. In this variant, you can add typical ingredients such as black olives and capers, which will give a more intense and Mediterranean flavor to the dish. The preparation remains similar, but the addition of these ingredients enriches the aromatic profile and makes the dish even more characteristic. The tomato and basil gelée will act as a binder, uniting all the flavors in a delicious harmony. Serving the shrimp with this Neapolitan variant is ideal for those who wish to bring a piece of southern tradition to the table without sacrificing lightness.
Light Steamed Shrimp with Tomato and Basil Gelée
For those following a lighter diet, steamed shrimp with tomato and basil gelée can be prepared in a light version. Reduce the amount of extra virgin olive oil and use only fresh, quality ingredients. Avoid adding excess salt, favoring aromatic herbs to flavor the dish. You can replace gelatin with a plant-based alternative, such as agar-agar, to make the gelée even lighter. This preparation is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy a fresh and nutritious dish while keeping calories in check. Shrimp, being high in protein and low in fat, represent an excellent choice for a balanced diet.
Benefits of Steamed Shrimp with Tomato and Basil Gelée: Nutritional Properties and Calories
Shrimp are a food rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. They contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for heart health, and are low in calories: about 100 calories per 100 grams. The tomato gelée provides lycopene, an antioxidant that can help protect cells from damage. Basil, moreover, is known for its anti-inflammatory and digestive properties. This combination of ingredients makes steamed shrimp with tomato and basil gelée a dish that is not only tasty but also beneficial for our body. Consuming this dish can help maintain a balanced and healthy diet, perfect for all ages.
Can Steamed Shrimp with Tomato and Basil Gelée be Frozen?
Freezing steamed shrimp with tomato and basil gelée is possible, but it is important to follow some precautions. Cooked shrimp can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. However, the gelée may alter its consistency after the freezing and thawing process. It is advisable to freeze the shrimp separately from the gelée to preserve their freshness and quality. When you decide to consume them, simply thaw the shrimp in the refrigerator and then gently reheat them in steam. This way, you can enjoy a flavorful and healthy dish even after several weeks.