Pil Pil Prawns - a spicy and flavourful recipe from Chile

Pil Pil Prawns or Camarones al Pil Pil is a simple yet delicious dish that shines during festive celebrations like Christmas in Chile. With tender prawns, aromatic garlic, and a hint of chilli, it’s perfect for adding a touch os heat and spice to holiday meals. Often served as an appetiser or a light main dish, it’s a festive favourite that’s both quick to prepare and bursting with flavour, ideal for sharing with loved ones during the holiday season.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 500 g of prawns or shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 5 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

• 2–3 dried red chillies (or fresh chillies for more heat)

• 1/2 cup of olive oil

• Salt, to taste

• Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

• Crusty bread, for serving

Preparation

1. Prepare the ingredients

   Peel and devein the prawns, ensuring they are clean and ready to cook. Slice the garlic thinly and set it aside.

2. Infuse the oil

   In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and chillies, letting them gently infuse the oil without browning the garlic.

3. Cook the prawns

   Once the oil is fragrant, add the prawns to the pan. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until the prawns are pink and cooked through. Season with salt to taste.

4. Serve

   Transfer the prawns and the infused oil to a serving dish. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Whether served as a festive starter or a light main dish, Pil Pil Prawns is a perfect addition to your Christmas table. Serve it hot with crusty bread to soak up the garlic and chilli-infused oil. Simple but yet packed with flavour, this classic Chilean dish is sure to bring warmth and joy to your holiday celebrations. Give it a try and make it part of your Christmas tradition!