Mandurah Twist

Introduction

The Mandurah Twist draws its inspiration from the coastal town of Mandurah in Western Australia, known for its rich history and vibrant seafood culture. Originally a fisherman's dish, the recipe has evolved to incorporate a modern twist while still honoring its roots. Mandurah, famed for its blue swimmer crabs and pristine waters, provides the perfect backdrop for this unique culinary creation. This dish aims to capture the essence of the region with a blend of fresh seafood, aromatic spices, and a hint of citrus.

The name "Mandurah Twist" signifies both the geographical origin and the unique flavor transformations that pay homage to traditional Australian cuisine with an innovative approach.

Ingredients

• Prawns - 500g, peeled and deveined
• Blue Swimmer Crab - 1 large, cleaned and meat extracted
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Shallots - 2 medium, finely chopped
• Lemon - 1, juiced and zested
• Olive Oil - 2 tablespoons
• Butter - 50g
• Parsley - 1 handful, chopped
• Cherry Tomatoes - 200g, halved
• Chili Flakes - 1 teaspoon
• Fettuccine - 300g
• Salt - to taste
• Black Pepper - to taste

Preparation

Marinating the Seafood

Begin by preparing the prawns and the blue swimmer crab. In a bowl, combine the seafood with lemon juice, half of the parsley, olive oil, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and set aside to marinate for 30 minutes.

Preparing the Pasta

While the seafood marinates, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente, around 8-10 minutes. Drain and reserve some of the pasta water.

Cooking Process

Sautéing the Aromatics

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the butter and remaining olive oil. Once heated, add the chopped shallots and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Adding Seafood and Vegetables

To the aromatic mixture, add the marinated prawns and blue swimmer crab. Stir occasionally and cook until the prawns turn pink, approximately 4-5 minutes.

Next, incorporate the cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of chili flakes. Cook until the tomatoes start to soften but still hold their shape.

Combining and Finishing

Reduce heat to low and add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet. Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well-coated with the seafood and tomato mixture.

If the sauce is too thick, add a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency. Check the seasoning and adjust with salt and black pepper as needed.

Finally, stir in the lemon zest and garnish with the remaining parsley.

Enjoying Your Dish

Serve the Mandurah Twist immediately, pairing it with your favorite chilled white wine, which complements the citrus and garlic notes perfectly. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, bringing a taste of coastal Australia to your table, reminiscing about the serene beauty of Mandurah's aquatic landscapes.

For added zest, serve with additional lemon wedges on the side. The harmony of flavors with the fresh seafood can be enhanced with a crisp green salad alongside or a warm crusty bread to soak up the rich, flavorful sauce.

Share the Mandurah Twist with family or friends during a seaside-themed feast, or enjoy it as an intimate dinner while dreaming of Australia's coastal shores.

Remember to set your cooking timer to stay on track, especially during time-sensitive steps like sautéing or boiling pasta.