Zesty Lovage-Infused Prawns in Pineau Dressing
Elevate your dining experience with this exquisite dish of Zesty Lovage-Infused Prawns in Pineau Dressing. Perfect for a chic luncheon or as a starter at your next gathering, this recipe features succulent king prawns, gently cooked to perfection in a fragrant, warm dressing of fresh lemon and lime juices, aromatic lovage, and the unique sweetness of Pineau des Charentes. The luscious addition of crème fraîche creates a creamy balance that complements the prawns beautifully. Served atop a bed of vibrant mesclun salad and accompanied by crusty bread for the ultimate indulgence, this dish is a celebration of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Ideal for impressing guests or treating yourself to a gourmet meal at home!
N/A
Servings
150
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
King prawns
24 (shell on or tails on)
White Pineau
75 ml (divided)
Fresh lovage
4 tablespoons (finely chopped (or substitute with celery tops))
Crème fraîche
3 tablespoons (or double cream)
Lime
1/2 (juice and zest, finely grated)
Lemon
1/2 (juice and zest, finely grated)
Caster sugar
1 teaspoon (or fine sugar)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (for cooking)
Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Mesclun or mixed salad greens
to serve
Extra lovage
for garnish (finely chopped)
Extra lime or lemon
for garnish (wedges)
Instructions
1
To prepare the dressing, combine the white Pineau, finely chopped lovage, crème fraîche, lime juice and zest, lemon juice and zest, caster sugar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a jam jar or lidded salad dressing container. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until the dressing is well emulsified and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Set aside.
2
In a large frying pan over medium heat, add the king prawns. Pour in the remaining white Pineau and cook for about 3-6 minutes, tossing frequently until the prawns turn pink and are fully cooked through.
3
Just before serving the prawns, pour the prepared dressing into the pan, stirring gently to coat the prawns evenly. Allow it to warm through for a minute or so.
4
On a large serving plate, layer the mesclun or mixed salad leaves, creating a vibrant base for the prawns.
5
Carefully place the warm prawns atop the salad leaves and drizzle any remaining warm dressing over the prawns and salad.
6
Garnish with extra finely chopped lovage and serve with wedges of lime or lemon for an extra burst of zest. Present with crusty bread and butter on the side for that authentic touch.
7
For serving, allocate 6 prawns per person as a starter or between 8-12 for a light luncheon dish. Don’t forget the finger bowls and wipes for a delightful dining experience!
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
7.5g
Carbs
12.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of Zesty Lovage-Infused Prawns?
The dish features succulent king prawns in a fragrant, warm dressing of lemon, lime, aromatic lovage, and the unique sweetness of White Pineau des Charentes, balanced with creamy crème fraîche.
How many king prawns are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 24 king prawns, which can be prepared with the shell on or tails on.
What is White Pineau and how is it used here?
White Pineau is a French fortified wine; 75 ml is used in this recipe, divided between the salad dressing and the pan for cooking the prawns.
What can I use as a substitute if I cannot find fresh lovage?
If fresh lovage is unavailable, you can substitute it with finely chopped celery tops.
Is there a substitute for crème fraîche in the dressing?
Yes, you can use double cream as a direct alternative to crème fraîche for a similarly luscious texture.
How do I prepare the Pineau dressing?
Combine Pineau, lovage, crème fraîche, citrus juices and zests, sugar, olive oil, and Dijon mustard in a jar and shake vigorously until emulsified.
How long should the prawns be cooked?
The king prawns should be cooked in a frying pan with Pineau for approximately 3 to 6 minutes until they turn pink and are fully cooked.
How many prawns should I serve for a starter?
For a starter course, it is recommended to allocate 6 prawns per person.
How many prawns are recommended for a light luncheon?
For a light luncheon dish, you should serve between 8 and 12 prawns per person.
What type of salad is used as a base?
The prawns are served atop a bed of vibrant mesclun or mixed salad greens.
Should the dressing be served cold?
No, the dressing is added to the pan with the prawns just before serving to allow it to warm through for about a minute.
What are the nutritional values for this prawn dish?
Each serving contains approximately 150 calories, 7.5g of fat, 7.5g of carbohydrates, and 12.5g of protein.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 12.5 grams of protein in a serving of this dish.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 teaspoon of caster sugar or fine sugar to balance the acidity of the dressing.
What type of mustard is best for the dressing?
The recipe specifies using 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard for the dressing.
How is the dish garnished?
Garnish with extra finely chopped lovage and serve with fresh wedges of lime or lemon.
What sides are recommended for this meal?
It is traditionally served with crusty bread and butter to complement the creamy Pineau dressing.
Are there any specific dining accessories recommended?
Yes, providing finger bowls and wipes is recommended for a better dining experience, especially if serving prawns with shells or tails.
What kind of oil is used for cooking?
One tablespoon of olive oil is used in the preparation of the dressing and for cooking.
Can I use frozen prawns?
While fresh is ideal, frozen king prawns can be used if thoroughly defrosted and patted dry before cooking.
How much lovage is needed for the dressing?
The dressing requires 4 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh lovage.
What citrus fruits are needed?
You will need both a lime and a lemon, using half of each for their juice and finely grated zest.
Is this recipe suitable for a dinner party?
Yes, it is described as an exquisite and chic dish, perfect for impressing guests at a luncheon or as an elegant starter.
What is the fat content of the recipe?
The dish contains 7.5g of fat per serving.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 14 ingredients in total, including garnishes and seasonings.
How do I know when the prawns are done?
The prawns are fully cooked when they turn an opaque pink color and are firm to the touch.
Can I make the dressing in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing in a jar and keep it aside until you are ready to cook the prawns.
What is the serving size for this dish?
The recipe serves 2 to 4 people depending on whether it is a starter or a light lunch.
How do I assemble the final plate?
Layer the salad leaves, place the warm prawns on top, drizzle with the remaining warm dressing, and add garnishes.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 7.5g of carbohydrates per serving.