KERALA PRAWNS
Ingredients
- 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
Directions
- 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.

