Appetizers are really my favorite thing to make. It demands so much attention to details and meticulous arrangements of assorted ingredients to come up with decorative little morsels. It gives me so much joy to actually design food and in a way dress it up to sit on my dishes like super seductive models ready to be photographed. I have been playing around with the new found ingredient “ kataifi “, it is a style of filo pastry that resemble spaghetti. Commonly found in Greek and Mediterranean desserts. This time I have done two dishes with one ingredient. Scallops wrapped in Kataifi and Kaitaifi prawns with honey chili dipping sauce.
Scallops wrapped in Kataifi Recipe
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 cups balsamic vinegar
- 4 sea scallops (extra large)
- salt
- pepper
- 1/4 lb filo (kataifi)
- 4 tbsps butter (melted)
- 1 tomatoes (diced)
- 1/4 cup scallions (diced)
- 1/4 cup dill (chopped)
- 1 shallots (medium, sliced)
- 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme
- 1 cup white wine
- 1/2 lb butter (cut into small bits, thoroughly chilled)
INSTRUCTIONS:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, simmer the vinegar until syrupy, about 30 minutes.
- Heat the oven to 450°F. Season the scallops with salt and pepper. Wrap each scallop in some of the kataifi filo. Arrange the scallops on a baking sheet and drizzle with the melted butter.
- Make the butter sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the shallot, thyme, and wine. Simmer until completely reduced and there is no liquid remaining. Over low heat and whisking constantly, add the butter, a few pieces at a time. Allow the butter to become creamy before adding the next few pieces. Do not boil or the butter will melt and the sauce will become oily. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Keep the sauce warm.
- Bake the scallops until just done, about 15 minutes.
- To serve, cut each wrapped scallop in half and place in the center of the plate. Spoon the butter sauce over the scallops. Drizzle with some of the reduced balsamic vinegar (save the remaining balsamic syrup for another use). Sprinkle the tomatoes, scallions and dill around the scallop.
Katifi Prawns Recipe
INGREDIENTS:
- 850g (about 18) large green prawns
- 100g Antoniou Kataifi pastry
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
Dipping Sauce
- 1/2 cup mild chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 220°C. Line 2 oven trays with non-stick baking paper.
2. Peel and devein prawns, leaving tails intact. Place pastry in a medium size bowl and loosen until strands are separated, light and fluffy. Combine oils and add to pastry; mix with fingers until pastry is evenly coated with oil. Place 1 tablespoon of pastry on a board and gently stretch to form a 15cm long strip. Hold a prawn by the tail and dip into egg; place at one end of the strip and roll pastry around prawn. Place on prepared tray. Continue with remaining prawns. Bake 12 minutes or until lightly golden. Serve with honey chilli dipping sauce.
3. To make sauce: combine all ingredients.
Cook’s Tip: No fuss entrée for 6 or serve as a savoury with drinks. Potato wedges and a salad transform this dish into a main meal for 4.
http://antonioufillo.com.au/index.php/food/item/kataifi-prawns-with-honey-chilli-dipping-sauce/
