Prawn Malaikari (Chingri macher malaikari)

Ingredients

• Large prawns : 8
• Onion paste : 3 tbsp
• Garlic paste : 1 tsp
• Ginger paste : 2 tbsp
• Cumin powder : 2 tsp
• Cinnamon : 3 stick
• Cardamom (crushed) : 4
• Cloves : 4
• Bay leaf : 2
• Dry red chili : 2
• Caraway seed (Shah jeera) : 1/2tsp
• Turmeric powder : 2 tsp
• Red chili powder : 1 tsp
• Garam masala powder : 1 tsp
• Thick coconut milk : 2 cups
• Mustard paste : 1 tbsp
• Ghee :  tsp
• White oil : as needed
• Salt : as per taste
• Sugar : as per taste

Method

1. Wash, clean and devein the prawns. Marinate the  prawns with salt and turmeric powder and keep aside for 20-30 mins.

2. Heat oil in a pan .Add the prawns. Cook for 2 min on high heat as they change color to red. Do not overcook the prawns otherwise they will turn hard. Keep them aside.

3. In the same pan add some more oil. As the oil heats up, add bay leaf, whole garam masala (cinnamon, cardamom, cloves), shah jeera/black cumin, dry red chilies. Cook till the spices release nice aroma. .

4. Add the garlic paste and cook for 1 min.

5. As the garlic is done, add the onion paste. Cook on medium heat for 3min. Add the ginger paste and mix well. Saute for 2-3min on medium flame. Then add turmeric powder, red chili powder and cumin powder, mix well. Cook for 2min.

6. Now add the mustard paste and cook well until the spice mix separates and the oil leaves the sides of the pan.

7. Now add the coconut milk  and cook dor sometimes.

8. As the gravy boils, add the fried prawns. Cover and cook on low-medium flame for 4 min. Check seasoning as per your taste. Switch off the heat.

9. Add ghee and garam masala powder, close the lid. Let it stand for 10 min.

10. Delicious prawn malaikari is ready. Serve with steamed hot rice.