Meli glazomenes karídes (MEH-lee glah-zoh-MEH-nes kah-REE-des)
Ancient Greek-Inspired Seafood
Embark on a culinary journey to ancient Greece with Honey Glazed Prawns. Inspired by classic Greek flavors, this dish marries the succulent taste of prawns with the sweetness of honey, creating a delightful fusion that captivates the palate.
Recipe Directions
If using frozen prawns, ensure that they are well defrosted and drained. Place the oil, fish sauce and honey in a saucepan and add the prawns. Sauté them gently in the sauce for 2 or 3 minutes until they are tender. Remove with a perforated spoon and keep warm. Continue to cook the sauce until it has reduced by half. Add the chopped oregano and pour the sauce over the shrimps. Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper. Serve as a first course with a crusty loaf of bread and a simple salad.History
Drawing inspiration from ancient Greek cuisine, Honey Glazed Prawns reflect the region's affinity for combining seafood with natural sweeteners like honey, a practice prevalent in Mediterranean cooking. This recipe is adapted from various ancient sources – a poem attributed to the Greek poet Philoxenus of Cythera talks about shrimps glazed with honey being served at a banquet, but it does not help in recreating the dish! Fish sauce (for its salt) and olive oil would undoubtedly have been among the ingredients, along with the honey. Oregano is suggested as the Greeks used it in seafood dishes. In ancient Greek culture, such seafood dishes were often part of celebratory meals, symbolizing both the bounty of the sea and the culinary innovation of the time.
Ingredients
225g large raw peeled prawns1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp fish sauce
1 tbsp clear honey
2 tsp chopped fresh oregano
Black pepper
