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Easy Prawn Masala with prawns coated in a rich Indian masala

Prawn Masala

A quick and spicy Indian prawn curry with a thick onion-tomato gravy.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 500 g Prawns Peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons Cooking oil Neutral vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp Cumin seeds Whole
  • 2 medium Onions Finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger garlic paste Freshly prepared or store-bought
  • 2 medium Tomatoes Finely chopped
  • 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder For color and mild heat
  • 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder Ground
  • 1 tsp Coriander powder Ground
  • 1/2 tsp Garam masala Added near the end
  • 60 ml Water As needed for gravy consistency
  • to taste Salt Standard table salt
  • 2 tablespoons Coriander leaves Chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 Skillet or kadai A wide pan or deep wok-like pan works best for reducing the masala.

Method
 

  1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn light golden brown.
  2. Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for one minute until the raw aroma disappears. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until softened and mashed down.
  3. Stir in the Kashmiri red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook the mixture until the oil begins to separate at the edges of the pan.
  4. Add the prawns and water to the pan, tossing to coat them in the masala. Simmer over medium-low heat for 4 to 5 minutes until the prawns turn opaque, curl into a C-shape, and are fully cooked.
  5. Sprinkle the garam masala and chopped coriander leaves over the curry. Give it a final stir and remove from heat.

Notes

Adjust the amount of red chili powder to suit your preferred spice level.