SIMPLE, FAST AND SUPER TASTY FOR BUSY FAMILIES

Fast food can be a godsend on busy nights, and by fast food I don’t mean pizza or hamburgers ordered in.

Fresh food that can be prepared and cooked quickly, full of flavour and relatively healthy ingredients, makes much more sense than greasy takeaway.

All that is required is a little planning to make sure the right things are on hand.

This terrific, simple prawn pasta can be on the table in less than 15 minutes from go to whoa. Spice it up with chilli flakes if you like a little heat.

You can substitute other ingredients for the prawns; scallops would work well, or just some slivers of smoked salmon. I occasionally add some drained capers – just because I like them.

PRAWN PASTA

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

250g uncooked spaghetti or linguine

3 tbsp olive oil, divided

500g peeled and deveined green king prawns 2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed 1⁄4 tsp dried chilli flakes (optional) 1⁄4 cup black olives, stones removed, sliced 1⁄2 cup fresh basil leaves

Zest and juice of a lemon

Salt and black pepper, to taste

METHOD

Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil and cook pasta according to the instructions.

While pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a heavy-based frying pan over medium heat. Cook prawns for 2–3 minutes until cooked through.

Add garlic, chilli (if using) and olives; cook for a further minute. Remove from heat.

Drain pasta and add prawns to the pot, followed by the basil (retain a few leaves for garnish), lemon zest and juice, and remaining olive oil. Season to taste, toss and divide among four bowls. Garnish with reserved basil leaves. Serve immediately.

Variation: Add a tablespoon of drained capers with the olives.