Spanish Summer Recipes: Grilled Prawns, Red Rice, and Baked 2026

Spanish summer recipes bring vibrant flavors to your table, and Thomasina Miers' grilled prawns with red rice and boozy baked peaches are a perfect showcase. These dishes capture the essence of coastal Spain, combining smoky seafood with rich tomato-infused rice and a sweet, indulgent dessert. Whether you're hosting a summer gathering or simply craving a taste of the Mediterranean, these recipes are designed to impress with minimal fuss.

Grilled Prawns with Red Rice and Allioli

This showstopper is surprisingly straightforward, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The key lies in charring the tomatoes, chilli, and red pepper to develop a deep, smoky base for the rice. The prawns, cooked with heads and shells on, infuse the dish with intense umami, while the allioli adds a creamy, garlicky finish.

Ingredients and Preparation

You'll need ripe tomatoes, a red chilli, a red pepper, olive oil, garlic, prawns, chipotle en adobo, sherry vinegar, red onion, fennel, saffron, short-grain rice, mayonnaise, and peas. The process begins by dry-toasting the vegetables until blackened, then blending them into a rich sauce. Meanwhile, the prawns are grilled separately, and the rice is cooked in the smoky tomato mixture with saffron and stock, absorbing all the flavors.

Boozy Baked Peaches with Custard

For a refreshing dessert, these baked peaches are soaked in a light syrup with a splash of dessert wine or brandy, then roasted until tender. Served with a cold custard, they offer a delightful contrast of warm fruit and cool creaminess. This dish is a wonderful way to end a summer meal, evoking memories of seaside lunches in Spain.

Why These Recipes Work

The combination of smoky, savory elements with sweet, aromatic notes creates a balanced menu that highlights seasonal produce. The recipes are flexible, allowing you to adjust spice levels or swap ingredients based on availability. Plus, they're designed to be cooked in a single pan, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor.

Key Takeaways

• Charring vegetables adds a smoky depth that defines Spanish cuisine.
• Leaving prawn shells on during cooking enhances flavor significantly.
• Boozy baked peaches are a simple yet elegant dessert that can be prepped ahead.
• These recipes are perfect for outdoor entertaining and summer gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions