Shrimps are one of the favorite Mediterranean sea food and it can be prepared in so many ways. The biggest shrimps are usually grilled and are the most appreciated in the Adriatic. Middle sized shrimps are the most commonly cooked buzzara style – in a very delicious juice, or with a risotto. But is there any chance to make something delicious with the small ones? Yes of course! Prawns with green noodles are a true symphony of tastes!
I was told once that small shrimps are also called prawns but you will not fail if you just say scampi. In case that you were lucky to get small scampi at the fish market you can get more from it – your crew will be busy with cleaning them and will not bother you in the galley. This time you need only the tails while the rest of the body can be used for soup or broth.
Green noodles are available in any supermarket and should be cooked according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Meanwhile, the prawns should be cooked in a warm deep pan on olive oil. Make sure that the oil is not too hot because we do not want to fry them. When they release their liquids add salt and pepper and finely chopped parsley. Stir it gently while simmering and in the end add cream. Cook it on medium heat until all the ingredients mix together. Pour the prawn sauce over the noodles in each portion and serve it with cold white wine.
Prawns with green noodles can be served with grated full fat cheese such as grana padano or parmigiano reggiano. This dish can be served both as a starter or a main course.
If there are no small scampi at the fish market you could save your crew from cleaning them and prepare the meal with cleaned and frozen prawns. Some chefs add smoked or marinated salmon into the sauce. This ingredient enriches the dish with a special taste which gives it a more ‘international’ character. Either way this dish is very tasty but when prepared without salmon its taste suggests more ‘mediterranean’ character, in my personal opinion.
I wish you a calm sea, a fine wind and a strong mast!