Chamorro Prawn Stew

The Chamorro Prawn Stew, or 'Estufao Uhang,' is a classic dish hailing from the island of Guam. The Chamorro people have a rich culinary tradition that combines influences from Asian, Spanish, and Pacific Islander cuisines. Over the centuries, these diverse influences have given rise to unique and flavorful dishes, among which the Chamorro Prawn Stew stands out as a favorite. It encapsulates the island's essence with its vibrant mix of flavors and hearty ingredients.

Ingredients

• Prawns - 500g, peeled and deveined
• Onion - 1 large, finely chopped
• Garlic - 4 cloves, minced
• Tomatoes - 2 large, chopped
• Coconut Milk - 400ml
• Soy Sauce - 2 tablespoons
• Vinegar - 1 tablespoon
• Salt - to taste
• Black Pepper - to taste
• Red Pepper Flakes - 1 teaspoon (optional)
• Vegetable Oil - 2 tablespoons
• Bay Leaf - 1
• Green Onions - for garnish, chopped
• Cilantro - for garnish, chopped

Preparation

Cleaning the Prawns

Start by cleaning the prawns. Ensure they are peeled and deveined, rinsing them thoroughly under cold running water. Pat them dry with paper towels and set them aside.

Chopping and Preparing Vegetables

Finely chop the onion and garlic. Set these aside. Proceed to chop the tomatoes into small pieces.

Cooking Process

Step 1: Sautéing the Aromatics

Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

Step 2: Incorporating the Tomatoes

Next, add the chopped tomatoes into the pot. Cook until they begin to break down and integrate with the onion and garlic.

Step 3: Adding the Prawns and Seasoning

Add the prawns to the pot and stir them gently into the mixture. Follow with soy sauce, vinegar, and season with salt and black pepper. You can also add red pepper flakes if you prefer a hint of spiciness.

Step 4: Simmering with Coconut Milk

Pour in the coconut milk and add the bay leaf. Allow the stew to simmer over low heat for about 20 minutes until the prawns are cooked through and the flavors meld together. If you need to keep track of the time, use a cooking timer.

Serving Suggestions

Once the stew is ready, remove the bay leaf and ladle the stew into bowls. Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro for freshness. This dish pairs well with steamed rice or warm crusty bread.

How to Enjoy

The Chamorro Prawn Stew is best enjoyed as a family meal, reflecting the traditional communal dining approach of the Chamorro culture. Savor each spoonful of this rich and creamy stew, letting the unique flavors of the prawns, coconut milk, and aromatics transport you to a serene Pacific island setting. Don't forget to spice it up with some local chilli peppers if you love a good kick!