Crispy Prawns in Puff Pastry with Greek Yogurt and Mint Sauce
This Crispy Prawns in Puff Pastry recipe is a delightful appetizer perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking to treat yourself to a savory, flavorful dish. The combination of tender prawns wrapped in flaky puff pastry, baked to golden perfection, and paired with a tangy, refreshing Greek yogurt and mint sauce creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will surely impress your guests. The addition of sesame seeds provides an extra crunch and an aromatic layer, enhancing the overall experience of this appetizer.
Ingredients & Nutritional Information
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Prawns (peeled, deveined, tail on) | 600g |
| Puff pastry | 120g |
| Egg | 1 |
| Black sesame seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| White sesame seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Sunflower seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Extra virgin olive oil | To taste (for brushing) |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Greek yogurt | 200g |
| Fresh mint | 1 sprig |
| Lemon juice | ½ lemon |
| Extra virgin olive oil (for sauce) | 10g |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 315 kcal
- Protein: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Prawns:
Begin by thoroughly cleaning the prawns. Make sure to keep the tails on for presentation. To do this, remove the head, legs, and shell, taking care to leave the tail intact. After shelling the prawns, carefully devein them by removing the dark vein running along the back of the prawns. Use a toothpick or small knife to help extract it. -
Season the Prawns:
Once the prawns are cleaned, arrange them in a shallow baking dish. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over them, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Gently toss the prawns to ensure they are evenly coated with the seasoning and oil. Set them aside while you prepare the puff pastry. -
Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Lay out the puff pastry on a clean, lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife, cut the pastry into thin strips about 1 cm wide. The length of the strips should be long enough to wrap around each prawn, starting from the head and spiraling around to the tail. -
Wrap the Prawns:
Take one strip of puff pastry and carefully wrap it around the prawn, starting at the head. Continue wrapping the pastry around the prawn, spiraling it down to the tail. Be sure to cover the entire prawn with the pastry, ensuring that it’s snugly wrapped. Repeat this process for the remaining prawns. -
Prepare the Egg Wash:
Crack the egg into a small bowl and beat it until the yolk and white are well combined. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the egg wash over the surface of each wrapped prawn. This will help give the pastry a beautiful golden color once baked. -
Add the Sesame Seeds:
Sprinkle the prawns with the sesame seeds to add a layer of texture and flavor. For variety, use black sesame seeds on some prawns, white sesame seeds on others, and a few with sunflower seeds. The seeds not only enhance the look of the dish but also give it an extra crunch and nutty flavor. -
Bake the Prawns:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and place the wrapped prawns on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Arrange the prawns in a single layer to ensure they bake evenly. Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy. The prawns should be cooked through, and the puff pastry should have a flaky, crispy texture. -
Prepare the Yogurt Sauce:
While the prawns are baking, prepare the Greek yogurt sauce. In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt with the juice of half a lemon. Finely chop the fresh mint leaves and add them to the bowl. Drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, creating a smooth and creamy sauce with a hint of citrus and freshness from the mint. -
Serve:
Once the prawns are cooked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a minute. Serve the crispy prawns immediately, accompanied by the refreshing yogurt sauce for dipping. The combination of warm, crispy prawns with the cool, tangy yogurt sauce will make each bite a delightful experience.
This Crispy Prawns in Puff Pastry with Greek yogurt and mint sauce is not only a visually appealing dish but also one that offers a wonderful contrast of flavors and textures. The sweetness and delicate texture of the prawns pair beautifully with the richness of the puff pastry, while the yogurt sauce brings a refreshing touch of creaminess and zest. Perfect for a dinner party or special gathering, this appetizer will surely be a crowd-pleaser, and it’s easy to prepare in advance too!
