Description: This vibrant and flavourful Prawn & Chilli Frittata is the perfect way to transform leftover prawn rice into a quick, easy, and satisfying meal. Infused with the aromatic warmth of chilli, the sweetness of red pepper, and the herbaceous freshness of mixed herbs, this frittata is a delightful culinary experience that’s ready in minutes. It’s a brilliant brunch option, a light lunch, or even a simple, yet impressive, dinner.
Why You Will Love This Recipe: This recipe champions simplicity and deliciousness. It’s a fantastic way to reduce food waste, breathing new life into leftover prawn rice. The frittata is incredibly versatile; you can adjust the chilli to suit your spice preference, and the pesto (while optional) adds a beautiful depth of flavour. The combination of textures – the creamy egg base, the tender prawns, the slightly chewy rice, and the crunchy vegetables – is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s a healthy, protein-packed meal that you can feel good about eating.
Introduction:
In the culinary world, ingenuity often blossoms from necessity. This Prawn & Chilli Frittata is a testament to that principle. Born from the desire to repurpose leftover prawn rice, it has evolved into a standalone dish that’s celebrated for its speed, flavour, and flexibility. The frittata, a versatile Italian egg-based dish similar to an omelette or quiche, provides the perfect canvas for showcasing the flavours of seafood and spices.
This recipe takes the humble frittata and elevates it with the vibrant flavours of the East. The gentle heat of the chilli balances the sweetness of the red pepper, while the fragrant garlic and shallots add depth. The leftover prawn rice, already bursting with flavour, provides the foundation for a truly satisfying meal.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is incredibly approachable. It requires minimal ingredients, straightforward techniques, and very little hands-on time. The beauty of a frittata lies in its forgiving nature; it’s a dish that encourages experimentation and personal touch. Feel free to substitute vegetables based on what you have on hand, adjust the spice level to your liking, or add a sprinkle of cheese for extra indulgence.
The Prawn & Chilli Frittata is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of flavour, simplicity, and sustainability. It’s a dish that transforms leftovers into a culinary masterpiece, proving that even the most humble ingredients can be elevated to something truly special. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your pan, and get ready to embark on a flavour journey that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients:
- 5 large eggs
- 10g soft herbs (coriander, parsley, basil, or chives), roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 banana shallot, finely chopped
- 1 red chilli (deseeded if you prefer less heat), finely chopped
- 1 red pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 300g leftover prawn rice (recipe suggestions below if you don’t have leftovers)
- 2 tablespoons pesto (optional)
- Salad, to serve (mixed greens, rocket, or a simple vinaigrette salad)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Egg Mixture. In a medium bowl, crack the eggs. Add the roughly chopped soft herbs (coriander, parsley, basil, or chives). Whisk the eggs and herbs together thoroughly until well combined and slightly frothy. This ensures a light and airy frittata. Set aside the egg mixture.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics. Heat the olive oil in a non-stick frying pan (approximately 24-26cm diameter) over medium heat. Ensure the pan is adequately heated before adding the ingredients to prevent sticking. Add the finely chopped banana shallot and chilli to the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shallots are softened and translucent. The chilli should release its aroma without burning.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables. Add the sliced red pepper to the pan. Continue to cook for another 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the red pepper is slightly softened but still retains some of its crunch. This adds a textural contrast to the frittata. Then add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant for approximately 2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Step 4: Incorporate the Rice and Prawns. Add the leftover prawn rice to the pan with the vegetables. Gently stir to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the rice is evenly distributed. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, to heat the rice through.
Step 5: Assemble and Cook the Frittata. Pour the whisked egg mixture over the rice and vegetables in the pan. Gently tilt the pan to ensure the egg mixture spreads evenly over the entire surface. If using pesto, dollop spoonfuls of pesto over the top of the frittata. Use the back of a spoon to gently swirl the pesto into the egg mixture, creating a visually appealing and flavourful marbling effect.
Step 6: Cook the Frittata. Cook the frittata uncovered over medium heat for approximately 5 minutes, or until the edges start to set and the base is lightly golden. Then, cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the frittata is almost set and no raw egg remains in the centre. You can test the doneness by gently inserting a knife into the centre; it should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs.
Step 7: Serve. Carefully slide the frittata onto a cutting board. Cut into wedges and serve immediately with a fresh salad.
COOKING Rating: Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Prawn & Chilli Frittata warm or at room temperature.
- Pair with a fresh green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette.
- Garnish with extra chopped fresh herbs, such as coriander or parsley.
- Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for added richness.
- For a more substantial meal, serve with crusty bread or toasted baguette slices.
Tips:
- Use a good quality non-stick frying pan to prevent sticking.
- Avoid overcooking the frittata, as it can become dry and rubbery.
- Adjust the chilli to suit your spice preference.
- Feel free to add other vegetables, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
- If you don’t have leftover prawn rice, you can quickly make a small batch of rice and stir in cooked prawns.
- For a richer flavour, add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before covering the pan.
- To make individual frittatas, use muffin tins or small oven-safe ramekins.
- If you don’t have banana shallots, you can substitute them with regular shallots or onions.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate values, will vary based on specific ingredients and portion size)
Calories: 350-450 per serving
Protein: 25-35g per serving
Sodium: 300-500mg per serving
Conclusion:
The Prawn & Chilli Frittata is a testament to the power of simple ingredients and smart cooking. It’s a dish that’s both delicious and practical, perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend brunches. The vibrant flavours, the satisfying textures, and the ease of preparation make it a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. So, embrace the versatility of the frittata and let your culinary creativity shine. This recipe is not just about using leftovers; it’s about transforming them into something truly special. Enjoy!
Questions & Answers:
Q1: Can I make this frittata ahead of time?
A1: Absolutely! Frittatas are excellent make-ahead dishes. You can prepare the entire frittata, let it cool completely, and then store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to serve, you can enjoy it cold, at room temperature, or gently reheat it in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) until warmed through. Just be mindful that reheating might slightly alter the texture, making it a tad drier.
Q2: I don’t have prawn rice. Can I still make this recipe?
A2: Of course! The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. If you don’t have leftover prawn rice, you can easily create a substitute. Simply cook some plain white or brown rice according to package instructions. While the rice is cooking, sauté some prawns (either fresh or frozen, thawed) in a pan with a little garlic and olive oil until they’re pink and cooked through. Once the rice is cooked, combine it with the sautéed prawns, and you have your prawn rice substitute. You can even add a splash of soy sauce or fish sauce to enhance the flavour.
Q3: I’m sensitive to spice. Can I make this without the chilli?
A3: Definitely! If you’re sensitive to spice, you can easily omit the chilli altogether. You’ll still have a delicious and flavourful frittata with the other aromatic ingredients like shallots, garlic, and red pepper. Alternatively, you can use a milder chilli variety or reduce the amount of chilli used. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle hint of heat. The goal is to adjust the spice level to your personal preference.
Q4: Can I use different vegetables in this frittata?
A4: Absolutely! Frittatas are incredibly versatile, and you can easily customize them with your favourite vegetables or whatever you have on hand. Some great alternatives or additions include zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers of different colours (yellow or orange), onions, or even chopped tomatoes. Just make sure to sauté any hard vegetables (like broccoli or carrots) a bit longer to ensure they’re cooked through before adding the egg mixture.
Q5: Can I add cheese to this frittata? If so, what kind would you recommend?
A5: Absolutely! Cheese adds a wonderful richness and flavour to frittatas. For this Prawn & Chilli Frittata, I would recommend using cheeses that complement the seafood and spicy flavours. Some excellent choices include:
- Parmesan: A classic Italian cheese that adds a salty, nutty flavour.
- Mozzarella: Provides a creamy, mild flavour that melts beautifully.
- Cheddar: Offers a sharper, more robust flavour. A mild or medium cheddar would work well.
- Feta: A crumbly, salty cheese that adds a tangy contrast to the other flavours.
- Goat Cheese: Provides a creamy, tangy flavour that pairs well with the herbs and vegetables.
You can sprinkle the cheese on top of the frittata before covering it with the lid, allowing it to melt and create a delicious cheesy crust.
