PRAWNS MASALA

Ingredients

1. Prawns - 500gms
2. Shallots -1cup
3. Onion -2 ( grate the onion in a grater you will get very fine pieces )
4. Green chilly - 4 
5. Ginger -1 tbsp 
6. Garlic - 2 tsp 
7. Tomato - 2 chopped finely
8. Shredded coconut -1/2 cup
9. Cashew nut - 10
10. Fennel -2 tbsp
11. Black Pepper powder - 2 tbsp
12. Kashmiri chilly powder - 3 tbsp
13. Coriander powder - 2 tbsp
14. Turmeric powder-1 tsp
15. Tamarind - 1 lime size soaked in warm water
16. Curry leaves- 4 stems
17. Coriander leaves - 1/4 cup
18. Salt as needed
19. Oil - 4tbsp

Method

1. Wash and de-vein the prawns and keep aside marinating with turmeric powder and salt.
2. Heat some oil in a pan, roast the shredded coconut, cashew nuts and 1tbsp fennel,  until light brown.
3. Add the chilly,turmeric, pepper,and coriander powders to the roasted coconut, saute well till the raw smell goes. When cooled grind the mix to a smooth paste adding tamarind.
4. Heat oil in a pan, add 1tbsp fennel and curry leaves, fry, then add crushed ginger, garlic and green chilly, fry until brown. 
5. Then add  finely chopped shallots and grated onion, saute well until light brown.
6. To the above add finely chopped tomtoes, saute till it become pulpy, then add the ground masala, 2-3 cups of water and salt, bring to boil in medium heat.
7. Finally add the washed prawns, cook without covering for 10 mins, check salt, then add chopped coriander leaves and cover with a lid.
8. Turn off the flame and serve hot with RICE or APPAM