Caribbean coconut broth with prawns and fried aromatics - Gourmet Traveller
Caribbean food is a fusion of many world cuisines. Fried aromatics add texture and interest to this fragrant, rich broth.
Fried aromatics
1
Heat oil in a large wok over medium-high heat. Stir-fry prawn heads and shells, crush into small pieces with a wooden spoon; add sugo and cook until colour deepens (3-5 minutes). Add garlic, ginger, lemongrass, lime leaves and chillies to wok and stir-fry until fragrant (1-2 minutes). Add coconut milk, coconut cream, 500ml (2 cups) water and 1 tsp salt. Reduce heat to medium; cover with lid and simmer (25 minutes). Strain broth through a fine sieve into a large bowl, pressing down with a large spoon to extract flavour; discard solids.
2
For fried aromatics, place oil, garlic, chillies and ginger in a large saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp (8 minutes). Add coconut flakes; cook until golden (30 seconds – 1 minute). Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towel. Fry basil until crisp (15 seconds). Combine fried aromatics and fried shallots in a bowl; season and set aside. Reserve 60ml (¼ cup) oil; discard remaining (or save for later use).
3
Heat half the reserved oil in wok over medium-high heat. Stir-fry prawns until just cooked (2-3 minutes); transfer to a plate. Stir-fry pineapple until charred (2-3 minutes); transfer to a plate. Add remaining reserved oil to wok and, once hot, stir-fry corn until charred (2-3 minutes). Return broth to wok, add beans and bring to a simmer. Return prawns, pineapple and corn to broth and simmer until beans are just tender (1-2 minutes). Divide broth among bowls, drizzle with extra cream, and top with fried aromatics. Serve with roti and lime wedges on the side.
Photography by Ben Dearnley Photographer
Ben Dearnley is a Sydney-based photographer who has been shooting since 1995, after completing a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies at Newcastle University. He was a photography assistant for three years before starting his own photography business focusing on food, still life and lifestyle. He has worked for a large number of local magazines and cookbook publishers, including Australian Gourmet Traveller, Donna Hay Magazine, Delicious, Coles, Australian Women’s Weekly Cookbooks, Murdoch Books, Pan Macmillan and others. He also shoots content for brands such as Sonoma Bakery, The Heart Foundation and Napoleon Perdis. When not in his studio, he enjoys swimming, walking his current Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Hazel, and tinkering in his shed.
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