A change from tempura batter. Use the versatile knafe (also spelled kataife) pastry, a fine, vermicelli-like pastry, for this savory snack. It also makes a perfect lunch with a salad and a spicy dip on the side (like dakkous). The citrus nutty center is a lovely surprise inside the sweet prawn. These prawns are seriously crunchy. You could bake them but they taste better fried.
Recipe information
Yield
4 servings
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Spread the knafe dough on a working surface and cover with a damp cloth. In a small bowl, mix the almonds with the lemon, orange and lime zests. Season the prawn with salt and pepper and open the backs. Take a pinch of the almond mixture and place in the open area of the prawn. Close together to encase the filling and continue until all prawns are filled.
Step 2
Take a few strands of the knafe pastry dough, lay them down flat and spread away from you. Place a filled prawn at the end closest to you and roll the dough around the prawn, ensuring the filling does not come out. Leave the tails exposed. It will look like a cocoon. Proceed to wrap all the prawns in the same way. Keep covered until ready to fry.
Step 3
Heat the oil in a heavy-bottomed saucepan to 350°F. Using tongs, gently lower the wrapped prawn in the hot oil, one at a time. Don't let go of the rolled prawn with the tongs in the oil until it holds together. Fry about 5 at a time until golden and crisp. Remove and place on absorbent paper. Serve immediately.
