Prawn Thokku

Another fabulous dish from Southern India, this is a prawn recipe with a difference. So, a must try for all prawn lovers. The dish has a nice rich red colour as a result of the tomato and red chili base. You will not be disappointed with the taste. It is simply delicious and compliments the prawn superbly. A very versatile dish which goes well with typical south Indian fare such as appams and neer dosa but also with Indian bread i.e. parathas,naan or simply with steamed rice. The prawn thokku is quite easy to make but be sure to get good quality prawns as that can make all the difference. This dish can be served for lunch or dinner and can be cooked as a regular dish for the family or for entertaining guests. It’s different, it’s interesting and simply yummy. If prawn is not your thing, you can replace it with chicken. I am sure it will turn out equally well given the richness of the gravy. So happy Fooding Around with the Prawn Thokku.

Prawn Thokku

★★★★★ 5 from 92 reviews

• Author: Reetika Mitra
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins

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Description

South Indian Prawn Masala Curry

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Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 750 gms Prawns
• 3 Tbsp Oil (preferably Sesame or Gingelly oil)
• 250 gms Onions, finely chopped
• 1 large or 2 medium sized Tomatoes, chopped small
• 5 Tsp garlic paste
• 1 Tsp Ginger paste
• ¼ Tsp Turmeric powder
• ½ Tsp red Chilli powder
• ½ Tsp Kashmiri red chilli powder
• 2 Tsp Coriander powder
• 1 sprig of Curry leaves (about 12 – 15)
• 1 cup Water
• Salt to taste

Ingredients to Grind together:

• Bay leaf – 1
• Cardamom – 4 nos
• Cinnamon – 1″ stick
• Cloves – 4 nos
• Cumin – 1 tsp
• Fennel seeds/ Sauf – 1 tsp

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Instructions

1. Clean, devein, wash and pat dry the prawns. Place them in a plate or a bowl and marinate with ¼ Tsp turmeric and a pinch of salt. Marinate for 5 -7 mins.
2. Take all the ingredients under ‘Grind Together’ in a grinder jar and grind them to a slightly course powder. Set aside.
3. Over medium flame in a deep bottom pan heat the gingelly/sesame oil. Once hot add the chopped onions, stir for a bit till translucent.
4. Lower the heat to a medium-low before adding the powdered ground masala mix. Stir the onion and masala powder frequently and saute for 2- 3mins or until the onions have caramelized and the ground masala sizzle to release aromas.
5. Next add the chopped tomatoes, ginger paste, garlic paste, curry leaves and salt. Cook for another 3 mins until soft and mushy.
6. Add the prawn, the spice powders as of red chilli powder, kashmiri red chilli powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder. Stir, combine and mix well all together.
7. Pour 1 cup of water. Bring to boil, cover and cook for 5 -7 mins. The curry should by now turn smooth and semi-thick.
8. Now remove the cover and cook over medium-high flame till the curry thickens considerably and oil is released from the sides .
9. Check for salt and spices before removing from the heat. Serve hot along with appams, dosas, rice, roti and other Indian breads.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4

naan or simply with steamed rice. The prawn thokku is quite easy to make but be sure to get good quality prawns as that can make all the difference. This dish can be served for lunch or dinner and can be cooked as a regular dish for the family or for entertaining guests. It’s different, it’s interesting and simply yummy. If prawn is not your thing, you can replace it with chicken. I am sure it will turn out equally well given the richness of the gravy. So happy Fooding Around with the Prawn Thokku.