Saffron rice cakes with prawns & tomato salad

     
         
 
  Ingredients  
     
  • 3 cups (750ml) chicken stock • 2 cups (400g) basmati rice • Large pinch saffron • 50g grated cheese • Salt & freshly ground black pepper • 4 eggs, lightly beaten • 1/2 cup (125ml) olive oil • 2 garlic cloves, crushed • 500g raw royal red prawn meat • 1 tbs olive oil • 2 vine-ripened tomatoes, seeds removed & finely sliced lengthways into strips • 50g semi-dried tomatoes, well drained • 1 red onion, finely diced • 1 bunch basil, leaves picked & shredded • 1 tbs white balsamic vinegar • 1 bunch rocket, leaves torn, to serve.  
     
  Preparation  
     
 
  • Bring chicken stock to the boil in a large heavy-based saucepan.
  • Add rice and saffron, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 10-12 mins or until the liquid has been absorbed. Set aside for 10 mins.
  • Stir through Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper. Set aside to cool.
  • Stir the eggs through the cool rice mixture.
  • Heat a little olive oil in a large heavy-based fry pan over a moderately high heat, Cook large spoonfuls of the rice mixture to form rustic shaped patties for 3-4 mins each side or until crisp and golden, transfer the rice cakes onto a plate lined with paper towel.
  • Continue cooking the remaining rice; add extra olive oil to the pan as required.
  • In another fry pan heat the olive oil over a moderately high heat.
  • Add the garlic and toss over the heat.
  • Add the prawns and cook stirring for 3-4 minutes or until just cooked when tested.
  • Remove from the heat immediately.
  • Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • In a bowl, toss the tomatoes, semi-dried tomatoes, onion, and basil.
  • Dress with the vinegar and a little olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Serve the warm rice cakes with rocket leaves, tumbled with the prawns and tomato salad.