Delicious Prawn Vol Au Vent Recipe: A Savory French Delight

Prawn Vol Au Vent is a classic French dish that perfectly balances sophistication and comfort. This delightful pastry filled with succulent prawns in a creamy sauce is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. Let’s dive into the world of this savory French delight and learn how to create a mouthwatering Prawn Vol Au Vent.

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What Is Prawn Vol Au Vent?

Vol Au Vent is a traditional French pastry that consists of a light, flaky puff pastry shell. The name literally translates to "windblown" in English, a nod to its airy and delicate texture. These pastry shells are often filled with various ingredients, such as seafood, meat, or vegetables, and served as an appetizer or a main course. Prawn Vol Au Vent, in particular, is a delectable version filled with tender prawns in a rich sauce.

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Ingredients for Prawn Vol Au Vent

To make Prawn Vol Au Vent, you will need the following ingredients:

• Puff Pastry: 1 sheet (store-bought or homemade)
• Prawns: 250g (peeled and deveined)
• Butter: 2 tablespoons
• Garlic: 2 cloves (minced)
• Shallots: 1 small (finely chopped)
• Heavy Cream: 200ml
• White Wine: 100ml (optional)
• Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon
• Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons (chopped)
• Salt and Pepper: to taste
• Egg Wash: 1 egg (beaten) for glazing

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Preparing the Puff Pastry

Making the Pastry Shells

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to about 1/4 inch thickness.
3. Cut the Circles: Using a round cookie cutter, cut circles from the dough. You will need two circles for each pastry shell.
4. Create the Borders: For the top layer, cut a smaller circle inside each larger circle to create a ring shape. This will form the border of your vol au vent.
5. Assemble the Shells: Place the larger circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the edges with egg wash, and then place the ring shape on top.
6. Egg Wash: Brush the top of the pastries with the egg wash to give them a beautiful golden color when baked.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until puffed and golden.

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Cooking the Prawn Filling

Steps to Prepare the Filling

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped shallots. Sauté until translucent and fragrant.
2. Cook the Prawns: Add the prawns to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes or until they turn pink and opaque.
3. Deglaze: If using, pour in the white wine and let it simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce. This step adds depth to the flavor.
4. Create the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard. Allow the mixture to simmer until it thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
5. Season: Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

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Assembling the Vol Au Vent

1. Fill the Shells: Once the pastry shells are baked and slightly cooled, carefully remove the inner dough (if desired) to create more space for the filling.
2. Add the Filling: Spoon the prawn mixture generously into each pastry shell, allowing some of the creamy sauce to overflow for a beautiful presentation.
3. Garnish: You can top the filled vol au vent with extra parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for color.

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Serving Suggestions

Prawn Vol Au Vent is best served warm, fresh from the oven. Pair it with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. A chilled glass of white wine complements this dish beautifully, enhancing its flavors.

Serving Tips:

• For an elegant touch, you can serve the vol au vent on individual plates with a garnish of lemon wedges.
• Consider pairing with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a fruity Chardonnay.

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Tips for a Perfect Prawn Vol Au Vent

• Quality Ingredients: Use the freshest prawns you can find, as their flavor will greatly impact the final dish.
• Chill the Pastry: Keep the puff pastry cold before baking for a fluffier texture.
• Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to get creative with your fillings by adding different vegetables or cheeses.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a simple table summarizing the nutritional value of a serving of Prawn Vol Au Vent:

<table> <tr> <th>Nutrient</th> <th>Amount</th> </tr> <tr> <td>Calories</td> <td>280</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Protein</td> <td>15g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Carbohydrates</td> <td>20g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Fat</td> <td>15g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Sodium</td> <td>600mg</td> </tr> </table>

Conclusion

Prawn Vol Au Vent is a true culinary gem that captures the essence of French cuisine. With its flaky pastry and rich prawn filling, it’s an exceptional dish that can elevate any dining occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking to treat yourself, this delightful recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy the flavors of France right in your own kitchen!