How to Cook Prawns in Coconut Milk: A Delightful Recipe

How to Cook Prawns in Coconut Milk: A Delightful Recipe

Prawns cooked in coconut milk is a popular and delicious Bengali dish. This recipe combines the rich flavors of coconut milk with large prawns, creating a savory and aromatic dish. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for impressing your family and guests.

Ingredients:

• Coconut milk: 2 cups
• Large prawns: 20-25 pieces
• Tender coconut water: ½ cup
• Salt: to taste
• Turmeric powder: ½ teaspoon
• Red chili powder: ½ teaspoon
• Oil: 2½ teaspoons
• Mustard seeds or paste: ½ teaspoon
• Dried red chilies: 2-3 pieces
• Finely chopped onion: 1 medium-sized
• Tomato paste: 1 tablespoon
• Green chilies: 2-3 pieces (slit)
• Tamarind pulp: 1 tablespoon
• Black pepper powder: ½ teaspoon
• Tender coconut flesh: 2 tablespoons

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Prawns: Start by taking the prawns in a bowl. Add salt, turmeric powder, and red chili powder, then mix well. Let it marinate for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
2. Prepare the Masala: Heat oil in a pan. Once the oil is hot, add mustard seeds and dried red chilies. Fry them for a few seconds until aromatic. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn soft and translucent.
3. Cook the Base: Once the onions are soft, add tomato paste, salt, red chili powder, and turmeric powder. Mix everything well. Allow the spices to cook thoroughly, enhancing the dish’s depth of flavor.
4. Add Coconut Water: Pour in the tender coconut water and cook the spices until the oil starts to separate. This will ensure that the masala is well-cooked and flavorful.
5. Cook the Prawns: Add the marinated prawns to the pan and cook on high heat for 2-3 minutes until they start to change color. The prawns should be slightly undercooked at this stage as they will continue cooking with the coconut milk.
6. Final Touch: Now, add the coconut milk, slit green chilies, black pepper powder, tender coconut flesh, and tamarind pulp. Stir everything together well and cook for another 1-2 minutes. This step will bring all the flavors together and give the dish its signature creamy texture.
7. Serve: Serve hot with steamed rice and enjoy this flavorful prawn dish with your loved ones.