PRAWN OIL PASTA RECIPES

Remove the heads and shells from the prawns but leave the last tail segment of the shell in place. Simmer the heads and shells in the stock or water for 20 minutes, then strain and discard them. Set the stock aside and reserve the prawn meat to add to the stew later.

Bring the vinegar and sugar to the boil in a small pan and reduce to a couple of teaspoons.

Heat the olive oil and butter in a saucepan, add the garlic, onion, celery and green pepper and sweat for 6–8 minutes. Add the white wine, salt, pepper, chilli flakes, tomatoes, then the fish stock and the vinegar reduction. Simmer for 30 minutes, adding the oregano for the last 5. You can make this base in advance if you like.

To finish, bring the stew base to the boil. Add the reserved raw prawns, the monkfish and mussels, put a lid on the pan and cook for 5 minutes. Toast the sourdough, then singe the slices slightly on a gas flame. Rub the toast with the garlic and sprinkle with olive oil. To serve, place a slice of the toast in each bowl, ladle in some stew and sprinkle with parsley.

1. Preheat your oven to 200ºC/400ºF/gas 6.
2. Cook the macaroni in a pan of salted boiling water 2 minutes short of the timing on the packet instructions, then drain in a colander and reserve a little of the cooking water.
3. Heat the oil in a large heavy-based frying pan, add the marjoram or oregano and fry for a minute until it starts to crisp up, then turn off the heat.
4. Add your cooked pasta to the marjoram or oregano butter, along with a couple of spoonfuls of the reserved cooking water and the Parmesan, fontina or Taleggio and mascarpone.
5. Return to a medium heat and toss and stir around until most of the cheese has melted and you have a lovely gooey sauce – you may need to add a little more of the reserved cooking water.
6. Season to taste with sea salt and black pepper, then tip it all into an earthenware dish. Grate over a quarter of the nutmeg, tear over the mozzarella and sprinkle over the extra Parmesan.
7. Bake the macaroni cheese in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, finishing up with a quick whack under the grill, until golden brown and crispy on top.

1. Preheat your oven to 200ºC/400ºF/gas 6.
2. Cook the macaroni in a pan of salted boiling water 2 minutes short of the timing on the packet instructions, then drain in a colander and reserve a little of the cooking water.
3. Heat the oil in a large heavy-based frying pan, add the marjoram or oregano and fry for a minute until it starts to crisp up, then turn off the heat.
4. Add your cooked pasta to the marjoram or oregano butter, along with a couple of spoonfuls of the reserved cooking water and the Parmesan, fontina or Taleggio and mascarpone.
5. Return to a medium heat and toss and stir around until most of the cheese has melted and you have a lovely gooey sauce – you may need to add a little more of the reserved cooking water.
6. Season to taste with sea salt and black pepper, then tip it all into an earthenware dish. Grate over a quarter of the nutmeg, tear over the mozzarella and sprinkle over the extra Parmesan.
7. Bake the macaroni cheese in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, finishing up with a quick whack under the grill, until golden brown and crispy on top.

Cook the noodles according to the packet instructions, then drain and tip into a bowl. Pour over the sesame oil, tossing thoroughly to coat the noodles. Put to one side.

Heat the groundnut oil in a wok over a high heat. Once hot, add the garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds before adding the prawns. Continue to stir-fry for 2-3 minutes. The prawns should begin to turn pink and a little brown on some of the edges.

Add the mangetout and mix to incorporate. Pour in the Shaoxing rice wine and leave to almost evaporate before adding the cooked and reserved noodles. Toss so that all of the ingredients are well mixed.

Turn the heat down to medium and add both of the soy sauces and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir-fry for a further 2 minutes before spooning on to a plate and dressing with the spring onions and carrots.

Serve immediately as a delicious dinner.