Prawn cocktail tarts blend the classic flavours of succulent prawns, tangy Marie Rose sauce, and crisp lettuce in delicate pastry cases. Perfect for canapés or a chic starter.
Preparation time
overnight
Cooking time
10 to 30 mins
Serves
Makes 6
By Richard Bainbridge
From Saturday Kitchen
This dish scores a moderate Nutri-Score of C due to the balance of fresh prawns and buttery pastry. For more information on Nutri-score click here.
Equipment
£5.99 (£8.56 / kg) (available from £5.99 (£8.56 / kg))
Ingredients
For the pastry
- 250g/9oz plain flour: sieved, plus extra to dust
- 150g/5½oz salted butter: cold and diced
- 15g/½oz whole milk:
- 1 free-range egg:
- Pinch sugar:
- Pinch salt:
For the Marie Rose sauce
- 2–3 tbsp mayonnaise:
- ½ tbsp tomato ketchup:
- ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce:
- 2 drops Tabasco sauce:
- 25ml/1fl oz whisky: to taste
To serve
- 12 cooked prawns: peeled and lightly washed
- 1 lemon: juice only
- 1 Little Gem lettuce: sliced
- 1 tsp freeze-dried raspberries:
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper:
Method
Prepare the Pastry
- Rub the flour and butter together in a bowl until it forms a breadcrumb-like consistency.
- Combine the milk and egg in a separate bowl. Whisk gently.
- Create a well in the flour mixture, add sugar, salt, and the egg/milk mixture. Mix to form a dough.
- Shape the dough into a round, wrap in cling film, and refrigerate overnight.
Bake the Pastry
- Preheat the oven to 190C/170C Fan/Gas 5.
- Roll the pastry thinly on a floured surface and place in small tart cases (3-4cm).
- Rest for 20 minutes, then bake with baking beans or empty tart cases on top for 12 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and cool.
Make the Marie Rose Sauce
- Mix mayonnaise, tomato ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, and whisky in a bowl.
- Refrigerate until needed (keeps for up to 4 days).
Assemble the Tarts
- Season prawns with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Pipe a small amount of Marie Rose sauce into each tart case.
- Add sliced lettuce, arrange two prawns per case, and sprinkle with freeze-dried raspberries.
Suggested Wine Pairing
Majestic: Mâcon-Villages Domaine des Verchères 2021
With its crisp apple and subtle citrus notes, this Chardonnay enhances the sweetness of the prawns and complements the tangy Marie Rose sauce.
Tesco: Picpoul de Pinet Réserve de la Roquemolière 2022
This zesty wine with notes of green apple and lemon provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pastry and creamy sauce.
Sainsbury’s: Albariño Rías Baixas Taste the Difference 2021
Featuring peach, pear, and citrus flavours, this Albariño pairs perfectly with seafood, lifting the prawns’ delicate flavour.
What can you serve with this
- Crusty bread: to scoop up extra sauce and add texture.
- Mixed green salad: to balance the richness of the pastry.
- Chilled white wine: enhances the freshness of the prawns.
Nutri-score Health Check
This recipe earns a Nutri-Score of C. The buttery pastry adds richness, while prawns and fresh lettuce contribute protein and fiber. The score reflects a balance between indulgence and nutrition. Note: this score is automatically calculated and should be used as a guide only.
Recipe FAQ
- Can I use pre-made pastry? Yes, ready-made shortcrust pastry is a time-saving alternative.
- Can I skip the whisky in the sauce? Absolutely, replace it with a splash of lemon juice or omit it entirely.
- Can I prepare the tarts in advance? Yes, bake the pastry cases ahead and assemble just before serving.
- What can I substitute for freeze-dried raspberries? Try pomegranate seeds for a fresh, tangy flavour.
- Can I make this gluten-free? Use a gluten-free pastry mix to adapt the recipe.
- How long will the Marie Rose sauce keep? Store in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- What other seafood can I use? Crab or lobster work well as alternatives to prawns.
- Can I use iceberg lettuce instead of Little Gem? Yes, any crisp lettuce will work.
- How do I store leftover tarts? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Can I freeze the pastry cases? Yes, freeze baked cases for up to 3 months; thaw before using.
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