PRAWN MASALA

 PRAWN MASALA

My husband and I love shrimps, or prawns as they are commonly called in India. Prawns are known as Jinga in Hindi, Zinga in Marathi, Sigadi in Kannada, and Sungat in my mother tongue, Konkani. 

Apart from being very tasty, prawns are rich in Omega 3 Fatty Acids and have an abundance of proteins . 

Elsewhere in this blog, you will find recipes for dishes made with prawns, such as:-

• Sungta Humman, a spicy dish made with prawns- from our coastal Konkani cuisine.
• Goan Prawn Curry
• Prawn Curry 

Today's recipe is for a yummy and spicy Prawns Masala which goes great with peas pulao or jeera rice. 

I have adapted this recipe  for Prawn Masala  from the famous Master Chef, Sanjeev Kapoor. 

We tried this out recently and loved it served with Peas Pulao. 

Ingredients:-

• Large- sized Prawns, 20 or about 250 grams 
• Large-sized Onion, 1
• Curry Leaves, about 15
• Ginger, roughly chopped, 1 " piece
• Garlic Cloves, 4-5
• Byadgi Red Chillies, 3
• Medium-sized Tomato 1
• Coconut Gratings, 1 tbsp
• Fennel Seeds ( Saunf), 1 tsp
• Turmeric Powder, 1/4 tsp
• Chilli Powder, 1 tsp
• Green Chillies, 2
• Kitchen King Masala, 1/2 tsp 
• Salt, to taste
• Oil, 3 tbsp

Method:-

Wash, peel and devein the prawns, clean them well 

Marinate the prawns by adding a little salt, chilli powder and turmeric powder and keep aside for about 10 -15 minutes

Cut the onion into thin slices 

Slit green chillies without cutting through

Cut the tomato into quarters

In a small mixer jar, grind together ginger, garlic cloves, Byadgi red chillies, tomato, along with the coconut gratings, fennel seeds and 3 tbsp of water to a smooth paste. Keep aside

In a non-stick pan, heat 3 tbsp of oil and on medium heat add the curry leaves and the sliced onions

Saute till the onions get slightly golden brown 

To this add the freshly ground paste and cook for about 2-3 minutes till the raw smell goes

Add salt as required ( remember that salt has been added to marinate the prawns) 

Add the slit green chillies and the marinated prawns. Mix well

Cover and cook for about 4-5 minutes till the prawns curl to a "C" as they get done

Gently stir in the Kitchen King masala, 

Switch off the gas and transfer the Prawn Masala to a serving bowl

Serve Prawn Masala with rice, or rotis or parathas.