Goan Prawn Curry

This classic Goan Prawn Curry needs no introduction. Served wherever you go in Goa, the curry is creamy and goes well only with rice. You can serve a vegetable or a salad on the side or even some fried fish or fried prawns (many on this site, just search for ‘fried’!)

Serves: 6 Persons

Prep. Time: 30 Mins.

Cooking Time: 25 to 30 Mins.

Ingredients:

[Standard Measure – 1 cup = 250 ml.]

• Prawns (cleaned & deveined) – 1 cup
• Turmeric – ¼ tsp.
• For the Masala:
  • Coconut (grated) – 1 cup (lightly packed)
  • Garlic – 2 big cloves
  • Tamarind (soaked in warm water) – 1 small marble sized ball
  • Bedgi Red Chillies (stemmed) – 6 to 8
  • Kashmiri Red Chillies (stemmed) – 2
  • Black Pepper Corns – 8 to 10
  • Corriander Seeds – 1 tbsp.
  • Cumin Seeds – ¼ tsp.
  • Turmeric – ½ tsp.
• Onion (finely chopped) – 1 medium sized
• Green Chillies (slit) – 3
• Kokum – 4 to 5 petals
• Thick Coconut Milk (see here) – ½ to ¾ cup
• Oil (pref. coconut) – 1 tbsp.
• Sea Salt – 2 tsp. or to taste

Step 1:     Apply 1 tsp. salt and ¼ tsp. turmeric to the prawns and keep aside.

Step 2:     Grind all the ingredients listed under masala to a fine paste using ½ cup water.

Step 3:     Take a vessel suitable to make the curry and add the oil. Sauté the onion and two of the green chillies  on medium heat till light golden.

Step 4:     Next add the ground masala paste and sauté for a minute. Add 400 ml hot water (or prawn stock – see notes) and 1 tsp. salt mix. Let the curry come to a boil. Add the prawns.

Step 5:     When the curry starts boiling add the kokum petals and let the curry boil for another 5 to 6 minutes. Then switch to low heat.

Step 6:     Add the remaining green chilly and the thick coconut milk and let the curry cook on low heat for another 6 to 8 minutes (keep the heat low or the coconut milk will split).

Notes:

• To make a prawn stock: Heat a tbsp. of butter in a pan and sauté the prawn heads, shells, and tails for 2 to 3 minutes. Add adequate water and bring to a boil. Simmer for 20 minutes. Strain and use instead of hot water in Step 4 to enhance flavour!