I felt like having angel hair pasta, so I bought 16 medium prawns, a leek, and a plum tomato. I got home just before the heavy rain started. Thank you, God, for keeping me safe.

Google: “Angel hair pasta, also known as capellini, is a very thin, long, and delicate type of pasta, resembling fine hairs. It’s known for its quick cooking time and pairing well with light, elegant sauces and fresh ingredients. While not inherently a health food, whole wheat or whole grain angel hair pasta can offer benefits like increased fiber and potential blood sugar management. If made with whole wheat or whole grain, it can offer increased fiber, which can aid digestion.”

“Leeks are a mild vegetable from the allium family, related to onions and garlic. They are low in calories and packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them great for a weight loss diet. Leeks contain essential nutrients like Vitamin A, K, C, B6, iron, and manganese, and are a good source of fiber, aiding digestion and promoting fullness. Their antioxidants may help reduce inflammation and the risk of diseases. Additionally, leeks support heart health by potentially lowering blood pressure and protecting blood vessels. Vitamin K in leeks is important for bone health and may help prevent osteoporosis, while their prebiotics nourish healthy gut bacteria.”

“Prawns are small aquatic crustaceans, and their heads, often thrown away, are packed with flavour and nutrients. Prawn heads can be used to make tasty stocks and broths, enhancing soups and seafood dishes. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, collagen, and various vitamins and minerals, which can support heart health, skin elasticity, and overall well-being. Known for their strong umami flavour, prawn heads are a valuable addition to seafood dishes. Omega-3 fatty acids help heart health and brain function, while collagen supports joint health and skin elasticity. Vitamins and minerals: Prawn heads provide essential nutrients like Vitamin B12, niacin, phosphorus, selenium, and zinc, contributing to better heart health and overall wellness.”

Thank you, God, for helping me cook this delicious and healthy meal. Let’s cook!!!

Ingredients

16 medium size prawns
1 leek, removed stems, and cut into lengthwise 1″
1 plum tomato, roughly cut
300 g angel hair pasta
2 dried bay leaves
1 Tbs minced garlic
1/4 c white wine
butter
salt
oil
pepper
chili flakes
grated fine cheese
water

Method

Wash prawns in cold running water and remove the heads by pulling them away from the body. To clean the heads, first, remove the feelers off the prawn heads and then wash them thoroughly in water. Make sure to clean the hollow space left after removing the prawn body. Leave them to drain and pat them dry.

To devein a prawn with a toothpick, count from the tail up to the second section of the prawn, insert the toothpick just under the vein, and gently pry it up to expose the vein. Then, use your fingers or the toothpick to pull the vein out. Use kitchen scissors to cut along the back of the prawn, starting from the head and going towards the tail.  The shell should then peel off easily. 

Heat a pan with 1 Tbs oil and 1 Tbs butter over medium-high heat. Once butter melted, add garlic and cook until lightly browned. Add prawn heads and shells and cook until aromatic.  Add enough water to cover prawn shells and heads. Add bay leaves and bring to a boil and simmer for about 30 to 40 minutes to extract the maximum flavour from prawn shells and heads. Remove the heads and set aside.

Discard the shells and reserved the flavourful water. Add the prawns to the reserved flavourful water. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they turn pinkish-orange. Remove the prawns and transfer to plate. Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until tender. Drain pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water.

While pasta is cooking, add 2 Tbs oil into a saucepan. Heat over medium heat. Add leek and cook for about 4-5 minutes or until turning translucent. Add wine to the saucepan and scrape up any browned bits. Add 2 Tbs reserved pasta liquid and 2-4 Tbs flavourful water for a flavourful and glossy look. Now add the roughly cut tomato. Season with salt and pepper. Add in pasta, prawn heads, and prawns for 1-3 minutes until warmed through. If the mixture is dry, add the remaining flavourful water. Spoon pasta, prawns with vegetables into serving pasta bowls. Place 4 heads on top of the pasta. Scatter chili flakes and grated cheese over the top. Enjoy with a glass of white wine.

https://helenscchin.com/2019/07/20/prawn-heads-prawns-and-leeks-angel-hair-pasta/

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