Thursday 19 June 2014

Basil Leaves(九層塔 jiǔ céng tǎ) in Caramelized Prawns - The Picnic Game 2014 (1)

Time really flies.  It has been a year since I first joined The Picnic Game 2013 hosted by a very sweet lady, Louise of Months of Edible Celebrations. Since then, I have been waiting for the next Picnic Game and am glad that this year is my 2nd time joining in the fun.  The rule of the game is each participant is to choose an alphabet and to prepare a dish starting with the chosen alphabet.  Well, this year I have chosen the letter B and T.   For a start, here I have prepared Basil Leaves in Caramelized Prawns.  Do stay tuned to know what is in stored for T.

To know more about the game, do please visit her Picnic Game 2014's rules.
I'm going on a picnic and I'm bringing ....
B - Basil Leaves in Caramelized Prawns
C - Chicken Piccata
D - Darned Easy Potato Salad
E - Eccles Cakes filled with Leeks, Spinach and Blue Cheese
F - Fourth of July Picnic S'more Tartlets
G - Gluten-free & Eggless Chocolate Steamed Cake
H - Ham Cheesy Patties
I - Italian Frittata with Vegetables
J - Jelly Roll
K - Kahlua Zucchini Chocolate Chunk Bread
L - Lemon Lavender Cupcakes
M - Meringue Roulade with Raspberries
N - Nutella Rice Pudding
O - Old-Time Favorite Iced Red Bean Popsicles
P - Pickles
Q - Quinoa Blueberry Mango Salad
R - Raspberry and Fig Cobbler
S - Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream
T - Two-Ingredient Ice Cream Bread
U - Uninvited Smashed Potatoes
V - Vegan Mango Salsa
W - Watermelon Salad
X - X'mas Coconut Wreath Cake
Y - Yellow Squash Crustless Quiche
Z - Zucchini Cake-Double Chocolate


Why Basil Leaves?
I have abundance of basil plants in my garden and I used to have it in my cooking and even made dipping sauce out of it.  Thai basil is very easy to grow and if pruned regularly, it encourages speedy sprouting and you can even have some extras for your neighbors and friends!

Benefits of  Eating Thai Basil Leaves (九層塔 jiǔ céng tǎ)
Thai Basil Leaves are dark in colour.  The leaves are rich in Vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, E, beta carotene, calcium, flavanoids, folate, zinc iron, magnesium, selenium, niacin, lycopene, thiamin, riboflavin and potassium  among others.

Thai Basil leaves are widely used in traditional medicine for its healing benefits. They are used for common cold, influenza, cough, fever, sore throat, mouth infections, teeth and skin problems, diabetes, asthma, bronchitis, earache, headache, stomach upset, heart disease, viral hepatitis, malaria, and tuberculosis. It is also used for mercury poisoning, to promote longevity, as a mosquito repellent, insect stings and to counteract snake and scorpion bites.

It is also used as a nerve tonic, memory empowerment, phlegm removal, respiratory problems, kidney stone, heart problems, blood cholesterol reduction, and reduces stress.

Ingredients :
- 500gm big prawns (cleaned and snipped off the sharp points. Marinate with pepper)
- 1 tsp pepper (for marinate)
- 2 big onions (sliced)
- 1 tbsp shredded ginger
- 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
- a handful of Basil leaves
- 2 tbsp cooking oil

Seasonings Sauce (to taste) :
- soy sauce 
- salt
- 1 tbsp thick caramel sauce
- 1.5 tbsp palm sugar/gula melaka (finely chopped)
- 1 tsp plum sauce

Method :
1)  Heat oil in wok and pan fry prawns.  Drain and set aside.
2)  Leave the remaining oil in the wok and saute onions, ginger and garlic till fragrant.
3)  Over low heat, stir in the seasonings until it is almost caramelized.
4)  Return the cooked prawns into the wok and stir fry until the sauce is well mixed and coated with the prawns.
5)  Lastly, add in basil leaves and give it a quick stir.
6)  Serve immediately with hot steamed rice.
This caramelized prawns with Basil leaves is so flavorful and full of sweet aroma
You can add some bird eyes' chilies for a little bit of 'oomph..' if you like.  However, I omitted this as my girls can't take spicy food.
Make sure to suck out all the caramel juices from the shells..... slurrppp.....
This is finger licking good!!


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42 comments:

  1. Hi Ivy, yummy yummy... the prawn look so so finger licking good. ... Thanks for sharing the recipe.... "tao shi"..already. . Should be able to cook it by following your step by step instruction
    Regards
    Cheryl

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    1. Hi Cheryl, thanks for dropping by. Yeah, just go ahead and 'help yourself' with the recipe. After trying this dish, do let me know if you love this dish as much as I do! Cheers and warmest regards :)

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  2. I have basil leaves in abundant too in my garden. Didn't know much about the benefits but the scent is so good. The prawns and basil with that thick caramel; just mind blowing. For the next round of prawns, I shall hit on this dish.

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    1. Yes Nava, basil leaves has many benefits and at the same time its sweet aroma is so irresistible! I practically can use it in most of my cooking as well as juices. I am sure you would love its sweet fragrant when added into caramelized prawns. Finger licking good and very addictive too! Glad that you like this dish and thanks for dropping by. Warmest regards :)

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  3. Hi Ivy!

    What a finger looking good dish to kick off the annual Picnic Game! I'm so Happy that you enjoyed your first Picnic Game with us and came back for more fun! I already know I want to set up my blanket right next to you and this incredibly amazing looking chicken! I don't even care if the ants want to share, lol...

    I too have Thai Basil growing in my garden but I must say, it is looking a bit weak this year. I may just need to get another. It's one of my favorites. I didn't realize it not only added such flavor but also that it had so much healthy benefits too.

    I just love the background you have chosen to "play" the Picnic Game, Ivy and of course, that chicken, oh my delicious goodness! Thank you so much for kicking-off the Picnic Game, Ivy. It is going to be so much fun!!!

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    1. Hi Louise, am so glad that you like this dish for your Picnic Game. Don't worry Louise, even if you don't spread your blanket next to me, I WILL definitely spread mine next to yours. I know you would have some irresistible dishes for the picnic. Just can't wait to peep into your picnic basket, hehehe....

      Yes, Louise, do make full use of your homegrown basil. Basil is very healthy and has medicinal values too. I used to add basil leaves into my cooking as well as juices and smoothie. Very refreshing and cooling if make into drinks especially during summer. Pairing it with this caramelized prawns is just finger licking good!

      Louise, let's enjoy our picnic and have fun hoping from one blanket to another, peeping into others' basket.
      You take care and cheers,
      Ivy

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    2. Oh Ivy, I'm so sorry, I kept calling your prawns chicken! I knew they were prawns but I must have had chicken on my mind, lol...So sorry. They look amazingly good!

      I plan on making full use of my basil, Ivy don't you worry:)

      We are going to enjoy every minute, Ivy from start to finish. I don't mind saying I LOVE the Picnic Game, the baskets and everyone on each and every blanket!

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    3. Don't worry. Louise dear. I know what you wrote is not what you meant. I have the same problem too and at times, it's even worst; and when I realised it, I couldn't even understand what I had written, hahaha....
      You take care, Louise and see you at the picnic :)

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  4. Hello Ivy, I am really impressed with your this outstanding caramelized prawns! I have never experienced eating them, but just looking at your well taken photographs, the distinct caramel colours of the cooked prawns tells me you've done it again...
    Like scoring a goal in the 2014 world cup.
    And I know, one bite of the prawn, one sniff of that homegrown basil leaves, and its a sure bet forgetting my mother's name.

    Cooking is like love. It should be entered into with abandon or not at all....And Ivy, I can see you have exceeded expectations with your this any 5 star hotel FB manager would love to have you dish.
    Ivy, this is a 5 star dish! Well done!
    Have a nice day and keep a song in your heart.
    Lee.

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    1. Hi Shane, first of all, a BIG BIG KAM SIAH for your walk above water compliments, You are always so generous with your compliments. I am still learning and of course trying my very best to improve my culinary skills. Friends like you have indeed inspire and motivate me to try to excel and exceed my own expectations.

      Once again, thanks so much for taking your time to visit my humble cyber home,
      You have a great weekend ahead and do enjoy your World Cup ,
      Ivy

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  5. Hi Ivy , what a yummy delicious dish and I will be peeking in your basket as well as others and what great fun we will have , See you at the picnic ;-D Nee

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    1. Hi Nee, thanks for dropping by. Yes, we will have great fun hopping from blanket to blanket and trying all the yummy foods being prepared for picnic. Can't wait for the day. See you at the picnic too, Nee. Meanwhile, warmest regards and cheers :) Ivy

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  6. Hi Ivy! Wah, such delicious prawns to bring for a picnic! I will sure follow you very closely at the picnic to make sure I can get my hands on your prawns hee..hee...

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    1. Hi Phong Hong, thanks for dropping by. Don't worry Phong Hong, I WILL definitely reserve some big and nice prawns with extra caramel sauce for you, ssshhhhhh..... Keep it to yourself, hahaha.... See you at the picnic and can't wait to see what you are bringing for the picnic too. Have a great weekend ahead and cheers :)

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  7. Hi Ivy! This really looks finger licking good! I want to join your picnic too :)

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    1. Hi LHB, thanks for dropping by. Glad that you like this dish too. Don't you worry. I have a reserved some for you but make sure you come early for the picnic. See you there. Have a wonderful Sunday and regards :)

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  8. Hi Ivy,
    Wow, I love prawns and this dish is a knockout! I will be bringing an empty plate to fill up with these prawns at the picnic! Looks really delicious and I love basil! See you at the picnic. I have save a space for you next to my patties! :)

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    1. Hi Joyce, Know what? Just can't wait to try your finger licking good patties too at the picnic. I will reserve some of my prawns for you too, Joyce. See you at the picnic and be sure to book a seat for me next to you! Thanks Joyce and warmest regards :)

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  9. I'm so excited to be doing the picnic game this year! It looks like so much fun. I also have lots of basil and will definitely be trying this!

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    1. Hi Pam, thanks for dropping by my humble cyber home. Yes, basil is great in any cooking. See you at the picnic soon and regards :)

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  10. Hi Ivy, I finished my picnic contribution (letter C) and linked to your superbly appetizing post. See you at the picnic game!

    http://maefood.blogspot.com/2014/06/the-picnic-game-2014.html

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    1. Hi Mae, thanks for dropping by. Just visited your wonderful blog and yeah, I like your Chicken Piccata. Please reserve some for me, ok? See you at the picnic and regards.

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  11. Hi Ivy, this prawn dish look so inviting. You sure can cook very well now, very impressive dish. Prawn and basil leaves are my favorite. Keep up the good job and happy picnic.

    Best regards.

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  12. Yes Amelia, I used Basils in lots of cooking as I have plenty of basil leaves. Even used it for smoothies too. Thanks for your kind words. You have a good day and cheers :)

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  13. Hello, Ivy, this dish looks wonderful! My outdoor basil gets killed off in winter, because they are planted in containers and the roots freeze. This year I've not had time to plant any, but your story about the health benefits make me want to plant another! Thank you for visiting my blog, and I'm off to look at your Ice Cream Bread now!

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    1. Hi Marjie, thanks for visiting my humble blog. Yes, basil has many benefits and it's easy to grow too. You can grow it again and do prune it regularly to speed up the sprouting. Caramelized prawns with basil is very delish too. Will reserve some for you at the picnic. So, see you there and regards :)

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  14. This dish looks and sounds delicious. Perfect for a picnic.

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    1. Hi Geraldine, thanks for visiting my humble blog. Yes, this is very delicious especially when pairing with with basil. See you at the picnic and regards :)

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  15. What a delicious looking dish! Definitely finger licking good.

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    1. Hi Cakelaw, thanks for dropping by. Yeah, I will be keeping some for you at the picnic. See you there and cheers :)

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  16. Hi Ivy ! Your prawns sounds so scrumptious. lol. I'm going to pack home a few if you don't mind ! See you at the party.
    Blessings, Kristy

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    1. Don't worry Kristy. By all means bring an empty container for take-away. Shh.... have already reserved some for you. See you at the picnic and warmest regards :)

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  17. What a marvelous recipe, Ivy! I'll be first in the picnic line for a serving!

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    1. Hi Barbara, thanks for dropping by. Yes, do come early and I have already reserved some for you at the picnic. See you there and regards :)

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  18. Ivy dear, would you believe I totally missed commenting on your super gorgeous and 'finger lickin' good' prawns?...I got so distracted at the last day, or so, trying to do my own post...and as I'm going down the list now that it's completed, I want to visit and leave a comment on those blogs that participated. I love the combination of the ingredients.The caramel sauce is a genius addition, along with the ginger, soy sauce, and the Thai Basil, which is the STAR in this recipe. I also think, leaving the shells on really keeps the amazing yummy juices is, and gives the beautiful glaze.
    Thanks for sharing...a must make real soon!

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    1. Hi dear Elisabeth, hahaha... it's ok. No big deal. Yes, the combination of caramelized prawns with basil leaves is really superb. We literally licked everything cleaned and finger licking clean too, hahaha... Not a single drop of caramel sauce is to be wasted. Glad that you love this dish. Guess what? I am reserving some big big prawns with extra caramel sauce for you. Sshhh.... just for you only, dear. See you at the picnic and warmest regards :)

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  19. Basil and chicken, best combination. Glad to join in the party.

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    1. Thanks Edith. Glad that you like this dish. See you at the picnic and regards :)

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  20. Wow--you have been busy Ivy! I missed this dish the first time through but glad I caught it on the roundup. This looks amazingly good. My mother has been making chicken wings for parties but I think I'll try to convert her to this (I am pretty sure she'd love it). I'll be over to your blanket right away, since I know this will disappear!

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    1. Hi Inger,thanks for dropping by again. I will be going over to your blanket soon and see you there. Warmest regards :)

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  21. Dear Ivy, what a smashing dish you brought to the picnic! It looks so yummy. I love all of your ingredients and must be very gooey and delicious. I love the gooey goodies..Thanks for sharing your recipe with us. Hope you are enjoying your day at the picnic...Blessings Dottie :)

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    1. Hi 5 Dottie! Me too! I like gooey foods too especially prawns and chicken. Love to share it with you at the picnic. Have fun and regards :)

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