Scampi Cakes with Tomato and Mustard Sauce
Category: Appetizers
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Scampi (canocchie) | 600g |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Bread (white) | 90g |
| Butter | 60g |
| White onions | 35g |
| Worcestershire sauce | 2 tbsp |
| Mustard | 15g |
| Breadcrumbs | 60g |
| Tomatoes | 600g |
| White onions (for sauce) | 35g |
| Sugar | 10g |
| Rice vinegar | 20g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 40g |
| Fresh basil | to taste |
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Scampi Cake Mixture:
Start by slicing the white bread, removing the crust, and cutting the soft inner part into small cubes. Place the cubed bread into a bowl, cover it with some water, and let it soak for at least 10 minutes.
2. Cook the Scampi:
Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the scampi for 2-3 minutes. Once cooked, drain and allow them to cool down. Then, using a sharp knife, carefully remove the appendages from the scampi and trim the sides. Gently peel off the shells and chop the scampi meat roughly before transferring it to a large bowl.
3. Prepare the Other Ingredients:
Peel and finely chop the white onion. In a separate bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks.
4. Combine the Ingredients:
To the scampi bowl, add the egg yolks, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and softened bread cubes. Incorporate the finely chopped onion and the mustard, ensuring all ingredients are well combined. Then, gently fold in the egg whites and breadcrumbs until a smooth, homogenous mixture forms. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the mixture to set.
5. Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
While the scampi mixture chills, prepare the tomato sauce. Wash and core the tomatoes, removing the seeds and cutting them into small cubes. Dice the white onion and sauté it in a pan with olive oil over medium heat until softened. Add the chopped tomatoes, sugar, and rice vinegar, stirring occasionally. Let the mixture simmer until it forms a thick, creamy consistency. Pass the sauce through a fine sieve to achieve a smooth texture.
6. Assemble and Bake the Scampi Cakes:
Grease individual oven-safe molds or muffin tins with butter. Fill the molds with the scampi mixture, pressing it down gently to ensure it is evenly distributed. Place the molds in a preheated oven at 220°C (425°F) and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cakes are golden and firm to the touch.
7. Serve:
Once baked, remove the scampi cakes from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. To serve, drizzle the prepared tomato sauce over the cakes and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Enjoy your delightful scampi cakes as a perfect appetizer!
These Scampi Cakes with Tomato and Mustard Sauce bring the delicate sweetness of scampi to the forefront, balanced with a creamy, tangy sauce. Perfect for any occasion, they offer a delightful twist on classic appetizers, combining rich textures and fresh flavors that will leave your guests craving more. Enjoy these delicate morsels paired with a crisp white wine or your favorite chilled beverage!
