'Shrimp in mink' - langoustines wrapped in pancetta with date purée
by
Gary Foulkes serves up a stunning canapé for Christmas – langoustines wrapped in pancetta and topped with Medjool dates (playfully named 'shrimp in mink' by the chef). The combination of sweet, juicy langoustine, heady pancetta and rich date is truly out of this world.
Ingredients
Langoustines wrapped in pancetta
- 12 langoustines
- 12 slices of pancetta
- 250g of Medjool dates
- 200ml of orange juice
- 100g of caster sugar
To serve
- 4 Medjool dates, de-stoned and thinly sliced
- thyme leaves
Method
1
To being, blanch the langoustines in salted boiling water for 10 seconds. Drain and plunge into a bowl of ice to cool quickly
- 12 langoustines
2
Once cool, peel and devein the langoustines and place on a tray, ensuring you keep the shells and heads for making beautiful stocks and sauces. Wrap the langoustines carefully in the pancetta
- 12 slices of pancetta
3
De-stone the dates and add to a pan, along with the orange juice. Bring to the boil, cover with a lid then reduce the heat and simmer the dates until soft
- 250g of Medjool dates
- 200ml of orange juice
4
Meanwhile, add the sugar to medium-sized pan and shake the pan so it sits in an even layer. Place over a low-medium heat and cook until the sugar has all melted and reaches a deep golden colour – take care not to cook for too long as the caramel will burn
- 100g of caster sugar
5
When the dates are soft, add the contents of the pan to the caramel, mixing continuously and vigorously until the mixture is combined
6
Cook out again until the date mixture is slightly caramelised, but take care not to burn it. Transfer to a high-powered blender, blitz to a smooth purée then pass through a fine sieve. Place in a squeeze bottle and set aside
7
Place the langoustines on a tray and lightly brush with a little oil. Place under a 180°C grill
8
Grill the langoustines for around 2 minutes, basting continually with the rendering pancetta fat, until the pancetta is crisp and cooked through
9
Place the langoustines on a plate and top each with a slice of medjool date. Pipe some of the date purée into the centre of each date, and place a few thyme leaves in the middle. Serve immediately
- 4 Medjool dates, de-stoned and thinly sliced
- thyme leaves
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'Shrimp in mink' - langoustines wrapped in pancetta with date purée
