Mediterranean Prawn Dish - Gambas al Pil Pil
Great & Easy Tapas or Supper - Prawns in a Chilli and Garlic Dip
Oct 14, 2009
There are several variations of Gambas Pil Pil or prawns in a chilli and garlic sauce but the construction of the dish is just the same. Try and use the traditional small brown earthenware dishes as they not only add to the authenticity of Gambas Pil Pil but they retain their heat for ages, keeping those yummy juices warm right down to the last dunk of fresh bread to wipe clean the dish.
The dishes are called cazuelas and are incredibly cheap in Spain, something well-worth looking out for on your next trip. They can be used on the hob, in the oven, microwave and dishwasher.
This dish is very quick and easy to make, cooked prawns could also be used but would obviously need a lot less cooking time. It is also quite strongly flavoured with chilli - do make sure your guests like chilli!
For a change or for those that dislike chilli it can also be made with cayenne pepper or paprika for a milder dish that's equally as delicious.
Gambas Pil Pil - Prawns in a Chilli and Garlic Sauce
Ingredients - for each person
- Spanish extra virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic clove – crushed or very thinly sliced
- 1 small dried chilli - or 1 fresh chilli seeded and chopped or sliced
- 6 large prawns (or more if small ones) - peeled, cooked or fresh
For Serving
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley - chopped
- lemon wedges
- Fresh crusty bread for serving
Cooking Method Gambas Pil Pil
- Place the prawns, garlic and chilli into an individual sized earthenware/heat-proof dish.
- Pour the olive oil over the ingredients until it just covers the prawns.
- Place on a gas or electric ring, or on the BBQ, then cook until the olive oil is bubbling.
- Take off the heat and serve immediately
- If the prawns are aready cooked, heat the oil then add the cooked prawns briefly just to heat through.
This dish is popular all around Spain but especially on the Costa del Sol where it's a favourite in the restaurants around Alhaurin el Grande.
This recipe is from Sandra Jeffrey of Villa El Corcho, Alhaurin el Grande, Costa del Sol and is printed with permission from Holiday Rentals Travel Cookbook a great resource that villa owners from the Mediterranean countries as well as others have contributed their favourite local recipes to.
For more recipes with prawns see Chicken and Prawn Paella.
