Prawns are relatively expensive compared to some of the other ingredients of the week that we’ve featured.  They’ll certainly cost you more per kilo than frozen spinach or a few slices of old bread.  But if you get good ones, they add so much in terms of flavour and texture that even a small amount really enhances a dish.  And it’s possible to get good value on them if you shop around a little.

The best value by far that I’ve found is in the Oriental Emporium in Dublin (branches in Rathmines, Georges St and by the Jervis St Luas), where you can get a kilo of frozen jumbo tiger prawns (peeled and deveined) for €16. The prawns are really flavourful, unlike those small pink tasteless ones, and they’re so large that you only need a scant handful per person in a curry or a similar dish.  A kilo will last in your freezer for ages and the prawns are good enough to be used in salads.

Prawns with Avocado and Tomato on Crusty Bread

This is a type of guacamole with prawns, and it makes a lovely light meal. Serves two.

Ingredients

• 1 avocado
• 2 tomatoes, chopped small
• Small bunch fresh coriander
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 clove garlic
• 2 small handfuls tiger prawns
• 1 finely chopped red or green chilli (optional)

Instructions

1. Boil the tiger prawns in lightly salted water until they’re cooked through.  Put to one side.
2. Scoop out the avocado flesh and mash it in a bowl. Add the crushed garlic, chopped coriander, chilli and chopped tomato. Squeeze in the lime juice and mash everything together.  Mix in the cooked prawns.
3. Toast the crusty bread, and spread the mixture on top.

Related posts:

1. Ingredient of the Week: Frozen Spinach
2. Prawns Pil-Pil
3. Ingredient of the Week: Mint/ Wednesday Wind-down: Iranian Fish Parcels