Kerala prawns Recipe
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tsp mustard seeds
- 20 fresh curry leaves
- 4 pinches asafoetida
- 4 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp fenugreek seeds
- 2 tbsp ready-made tamarind paste
- 4 fresh green chillies, finely diced
- 4 tsp chopped fresh root ginger
- 2 onions, peeled, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, peeled, finely diced
- 1kg/2lb 2oz large tiger prawns, heads and shells removed, de-veined
- 110g/4oz fresh coconut, shell removed, finely sliced
- 2 limes, juice only
- 4 tbsp chopped fresh coriander leaves
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 250g/9oz shortgrain rice, steamed according to packet instructions, to serve
- For the Kerala prawns, heat a large wok over a high heat. When the wok is hot, add the oil and heat until just smoking.
- Add the mustard seeds and curry leaves and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the seeds start to pop. (CAUTION: Popping seeds can be dangerous. Cover the pan with a lid and keep the pan well away from the eyes and face.)
- Add the spices and stir well. Continue to fry for a further minute, then add the tamarind paste, chillies and ginger and stir-fry for a 1-2 minutes.
- Add the onion and fry until pale golden-brown, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the garlic and stir-fry for a further 20 seconds.
- Add the prawns, stir well to coat them in the spice mixture, then continue to stir-fry for a further 4-5 minutes, or until the prawns are cooked through. (NB: The prawns are cooked through when the flesh is pink.)
- Stir in the sliced coconut, lime juice and coriander leaves until well combined, then season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat through for one minute.
- To serve, divide the Kerala prawns equally among four serving plates. Spoon the steamed rice alongside.