Although traditionally this is a pickle, meant to be enjoyed for days after it’s been made, it tastes just as delicious fresh and hot! As a celebration dish or even cooked simply on a barbecue, this is and will always be a showstopper.
You may find the portions slightly small for a main course on its own, but the dish works well served along with a few others and on its own may be a bit too spicy and full-on for a balanced meal. Try to combine this with a mild and saucy curry.
Serves 4
Ingredients
4 tbsp vegetable or corn oil
3 red onions, finely chopped
10 fresh curry leaves
2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
3 green chillies, chopped
1/2 tsp ground turmeric
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
3 tbsp malt vinegar
15-18 large king prawns, head on, slit open and left on the shell
Juice of 1 lime
2 tbsp coriander, freshly chopped
For the spice mix
1 tbsp cumin seeds, dry roasted in a pan
1 tsp black peppercorns
1 tsp red chilli powder
Preparation
1. For the spice mix, mix together the roasted cumin seeds, peppercorns and red chilli powder in a food processor until fine.
2. Heat the oil in a large frying pan, add the onions and curry leaves and stir over a medium heat until golden brown. Add the ginger-garlic paste and green chillies and stir for 1 minute. Add the turmeric, followed by the spice mix and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the spices are cooked. Add the salt, sugar and malt vinegar and continue cooking until the oil separates (less than 5 minutes).
3. Remove and cool the mixture. If making for later, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate.
4. If using immediately, smear the cooked paste on to the king prawns on the flesh side and marinate for 20 minutes while you get your grill or barbecue hot. Simply cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, and serve immediately squeezed with lime and sprinkled with coriander.
