This is a tasty South Indian dish made with prawns, coconut, tamarind, and a little jaggery. It has a perfect balance of spicy, sour, and slightly sweet flavors. It is great for a special dinner or a family meal.
Ingredients
For marinating prawns:
12–15 prawns (cleaned and deveined)
3/4 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp red chilli powder
Salt (as needed)
1 tbsp coconut oil
For spice paste:
1/2 cup grated coconut
1/2 tsp fenugreek seeds
1 tsp coriander seeds
For cooking prawns:
1 tsp oil
For curry base:
1 tsp coconut oil
5–6 small onions (shallots)
4–5 thin slices of ginger
3–4 garlic cloves (sliced)
2 dry red chillies
1 tsp mustard seeds
2 green chillies
3/4 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp chilli powder
1 cup coconut milk
Salt (as needed)
7–8 curry leaves
1 tomato (chopped)
1 1/2 tbsp tamarind extract
Small piece of jaggery
1/2 cup green peas
For garnishing:
1 tsp oil
1/2 tsp mustard seeds
4–5 curry leaves
1 tbsp grated coconut
2 prawns (with tail, for decoration)
How to Make Malabari Prawn Curry
Step 1: Marinate the prawns
Take cleaned prawns in a bowl.
Add turmeric, chilli powder, salt, and coconut oil.
Mix well and keep aside for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Make spice paste
Dry roast grated coconut, fenugreek seeds, and coriander seeds in a pan.
Grind them into a smooth paste and keep aside.
Step 3: Cook the prawns lightly
Heat 1 tsp oil in a pan.
Lightly cook (sear) the prawns for a few minutes.
Keep them aside. Do not throw away the juices.
Step 4: Prepare the curry
Heat coconut oil in a pan or wok.
Add shallots, ginger, garlic, red chillies, mustard seeds, and green chillies.
Let them cook until they release aroma.
Add turmeric powder, chilli powder, and the prepared spice paste.
Add a little coconut milk to mix well.
Pour in the remaining coconut milk and add salt and curry leaves.
Add chopped tomatoes, tamarind extract, jaggery, and green peas.
Cook on low heat for 4–5 minutes.
Now add the cooked prawns and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes.
Step 5: Garnish
Heat oil in a small pan.
Add mustard seeds, curry leaves, and grated coconut.
Fry 2 prawns (with tail) on both sides for about 2 minutes.
Pour this garnish over the curry.
Serving
Serve hot with plain rice.