Brazilian piri piri prawns with quinoa salad

For the piri piri prawns

Ingredients

• 2 birdseye chillies, roughly chopped
• Juice of half a lemon
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed and peeled
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 12 large prawns, shells removed but tails left on and cleaned (could use chicken fillets or chickpeas if preferred)

Preparation method

1. Place all the ingredients except the prawns into a food processor and blend until smooth to make the piri piri sauce.
2. Place the prawns on a plate and rub over the piri-piri sauce, reserving a little to garnish.
3. Leave to marinate in the fridge for an hour.
4. Heat a griddle pan until hot and cook the prawns for four to five minutes on each side, depending on their size, until the prawns have turned pink and are cooked through.

For the quinoa salad

Ingredients

• 400ml water
• 120g quinoa, rinsed
• 1 1/2 avocados - peeled, pitted, and chopped
• 1/2 large pomegranate, peeled and seeds separated, or more to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 handfuls of chopped fresh coriander
• Juice of 1 lemon

Preparation method

1. Bring water and quinoa to a boil in a saucepan.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until quinoa is tender and water has been absorbed, about 12 to 15 minutes.
3. Allow the quinoa to cool.
4. Transfer quinoa to a large bowl and mix in avocado and pomegranate seeds. Drizzle olive oil over quinoa mixture and toss to coat; mix in coriander and lemon juice.

Add the prawns to the quinoa salad, and enjoy!

Nutritional information

This recipe is packed with goodness and is suitable for those following a gluten-free diet as quinoa is a great gluten-free source of protein and carbohydrate, and a healthier alternative to cous cous, which is often refined.

Avocado is a fantastic source of heart-healthy omega 3 and vitamin E, and a good source of protein which will help you feel fuller for longer. While pomegranates are a valuable source of polyphenols and anthocyanins, which have various health benefits, including helping the body protect itself from disease. Pomegranates have shown in some studies to support heart health and healthy cholesterol levels too. The fruit is also rich in vitamins A, C and E and iron.

Several of the ingredients including coriander and prawns are high in antioxidants, which help support your immune system and encourage healthy ageing and eye health. Coriander also supports the liver and kidneys and is rich in folic acid, vitamin A and C.

Chillies and garlic are antimicrobial and support the immune system. While chillies also support healthy circulation and anti-inflammatory effects.

Last updated Wednesday 4 October 2017

First published on Monday 18 July 2016