Kenyan Jumbo Prawns Samosa Meets Bodegas Amaren: A Holiday Pairing That Pushes Boundaries
The holiday season is a magical time, filled with love, laughter, and, of course, exceptional food. For me, it's not just about enjoying tradition — it’s about taking those cherished classics and giving them a twist that surprises and delights. I’m always testing, looking for new ideas, and pushing boundaries to craft exciting, elevated dishes. One of my favorite challenges is reimagining the familiar, taking something simple and making it sublime, turning it into something elegant.
This year, I’ve decided to take a beloved holiday tradition — making samosas — and transform it into something truly special. After all, the holidays are about indulgence, and why not indulge in something a little extraordinary?
I’ve swapped the usual samosa filling for Kenyan Jumbo Prawns from the Indian Ocean, wrapped in delicate, crispy rolls infused with the perfect blend of spices. As a spice architect and master of spice blending, I have the unique ability to create layers of flavor that bring depth and excitement to every bite. And what better time to showcase this skill than during the festive season?
The result is a Seafood Herb-Infused Jumbo Roll — a dish that’s as bold as it is elegant.
The Wine: A Beautiful Tribute to Tradition
As luck would have it, my Spanish darlings at Bodegas Amaren in Rioja Alavesa mirror my approach to cooking. In my culture, cooking is passed down through generations — from grandmothers to mothers, with love and respect for tradition. How fitting that in Basque, Amaren means “of the mother.” This wine pays tribute to Ángeles, the wife of Luis Cañas and mother of Juan Luis, the visionary behind Bodegas Luis Cañas. Amaren embodies quality, tradition, and a deep respect for heritage — values that perfectly align with my own ethos in the kitchen.
The Bodegas Amaren 2017 Blanco blends tradition with innovation, much like my culinary creations. Crafted from 85% Viura and 15% Malvasía grapes, it’s aged for 8 months in new French oak. The result? A wine that’s both fresh and complex, with flavors that evolve with every sip.
What makes this wine the ideal match for my Seafood Herb-Infused Jumbo Rolls?
The wine’s crisp, vibrant acidity cuts through the richness of the rolls, while its creamy texture and subtle notes of toasted almonds, vanilla, and lemon zest complement the delicate sweetness of the prawns. The wine’s acidity balances the herb-infused layers of garlic, ginger, lemongrass, and a hint of chili in the rolls. It’s a pairing that elevates both the wine and the dish, creating a dance of flavors that’s sure to impress.
Recipe: Seafood Herb-Infused Jumbo Rolls (4 Servings)
Now, onto the dish itself. As I craft new ideas, I’m always looking for ways to elevate simple classics, and this recipe does just that. These jumbo rolls are a fusion of fresh, succulent prawns, a burst of herbs, and the delicate crunch of rice noodles — all wrapped in a crisp shell that’s both comforting and sophisticated. And of course, the spice blend — that’s my secret weapon!
Ingredients:
16 Jumbo Prawns (peeled and deveined, leave tail for decoration)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1-inch piece of ginger, grated
2 tbsp lemongrass, finely chopped
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
Salt to taste
Large samosa wrappers (homemade or store-bought)
Vegetable oil for deep frying
100g cooked rice (cooked in coconut milk)
Instructions:
Prepare the shrimp: Combine the prawns with olive oil, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, lemon zest, lemon juice, onion powder, chili flakes, and salt in a bowl. Toss well and allow the prawns to marinate in the fridge overnight. This helps the flavors infuse into the prawns, creating a complex base for the dish.
Prepare the rice: Cook the rice in coconut milk according to your preferred method, allowing it to absorb all the rich coconut flavor. Once cooked, fluff and set aside.
Assemble the rolls: Place a samosa wrapper flat on a clean surface. At one end, place 4 prawns in a row, followed by a small handful of the coconut rice. Fold in the sides and roll tightly to form a cylinder. Seal the edge with a little water to ensure the rolls stay intact during frying.
Deep fry the rolls: Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully fry the rolls for 3–4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Be sure to turn them gently to ensure they cook evenly. Remove from the pan and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Serve: Allow the rolls to rest for a minute, then serve immediately. Enjoy the crispy, flavorful goodness of the rolls with a side of lime yogurt sauce (if desired) for extra zing!
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled (8–10°C) alongside a glass of Bodegas Amaren 2017 Blanco for the ultimate pairing experience.
Recommended as an appetizer or light main course.
Best enjoyed within the first hour of preparation for the freshest taste and crispy texture.
Why This Pairing Works
As someone who loves to elevate simple, classic dishes and push culinary boundaries, I’ve found that this pairing is the perfect blend of flavors, textures, and aromas. The Bodegas Amaren 2017 Blanco offers a striking contrast to the richness of the crispy rolls. The high acidity of the wine refreshes the palate, while the creamy, toasty notes mirror the sweetness of the prawns and the depth of the spice blend.
The herb-infused shrimp in the rolls, with their fragrant notes of garlic, ginger, and lemongrass, harmonize beautifully with the wine’s aromas of lime, green papaya, and roasted pineapple. Each bite of the rolls brings out the zesty lime and flinty minerality of the wine, while the wine’s toasted almond and vanilla notes elevate the shrimp’s natural sweetness. The pairing is both refreshing and luxurious — a true testament to the power of balance and harmony in food and wine.
So, as you embark on your own holiday festivities, I encourage you to try this seafood-inspired twist on a classic dish, paired with a wine that’s as special as the season itself. The combination of Kenyan Jumbo Prawns and Bodegas Amaren 2017 Blanco will surely elevate your holiday meals and leave you with lasting memories of good food, great wine, and even better company.
Happy Holiday season, darlings