Skewered Lemongrass Prawns

(as adapted from Haalo’s blog)

16 fresh prawns, shelled but tail tip left on

1 lemongrass stalk, bottom (white) part chopped roughly

4 coriander stalks, roots and leaves chopped roughly

1 bird’s eye chilli, sliced (optional, for extra spiciness)

1 garlic clove, sliced

1 tablespoon palm sugar, grated

fresh ginger, thumb-tip sized, peeled and sliced

1 lime, juiced

skewers or lemongrass stalks

1. Place the ingredients into a processor and process. Add some oil to help form a thick paste. Set aside while you prepare the prawns.
2. Remove the digestive track that runs from the tail tip. Slice two-thirds of the way in along the track path to butterfly the prawn.

3. Coat the prawns in the marinade, making sure you cover the opened up section. Re-shape the prawn as you skewer it into place. I used the top parts of the lemongrass as skewers.

4. Grill on a BBQ or on the stove – 30 seconds to 1 minute should do – you just want the prawn to change colour and the sides to crisp up a little.

Did you know that lemongrass has alot of health benefits ?

The Lemongrass is a good cleanser that helps to detoxify the Liver, pancreas, kidney, bladder and the digestive tract. It cuts down uric acid, cholesterol, excess fats and other toxins in the body while stimulating digestion, blood circulation, and lactation; it also alleviates indigestion and gastroenteritis. It is said that lemongrass also helps improve the skin by reducing acne and pimples and acts as a muscle and tissue toner. Also, it can reduce blood pressure. Just make a concoction by boiling some lemon grass leaves, let it cool for a while and drink the liquid.

*excerpt from here

Lemongrass is a very common plant here and it’s easy to grow. I’m currently planting it in a pot as I don’t have much land space as of now. It’s very easy, just plant the bottom part of the stalk into soil as it is after getting them from the market. If the outer part is a bit dry, remove a few layers of the outer skin. Pests don’t like the scent of lemongrass. (It’s served as a mosquito repellent, btw). Trim occasionally so it looks neat and not too bushy.