Spicy Kerala Prawn Curry

I got this recipe from my friend Smita. She had posted a photo of this prawn curry on her album and the next instant I was asking her for the recipe. She gave me a fairly simple recipe and I was sure it was not it... The curry looked way too tempting to be this simple a preparation.

Ingredients:

• Prawns - De veined and cleaned - 500 gms

For the marinade:

• Chilly Powder - 2 tsp
• Turmeric Powder - 1/2 tsp
• Garam Masala Powder - 2 tsp
• Corriander Powder - 1 tsp
• Pepper Powder - 1 tsp
• Salt - to taste

For the gravy

• Shallots - 300 gms
• Green Chillies - 2-3 (as per taste)
• Ginger Garlic Paste - 2 tsp
• Grated Coconut - 4-5 tbsp
• Tamarind - size of a lemon (or as per taste)
• Garam Masala Powder - 2 tsp
• Chilly Powder - 1 tsp
• Coriander Powder - 1 tsp
• Salt - to taste
• Curry Leaves - a handful
• Mustard Seeds - 1 tsp
• Coconut Oil - 3 tsp

Method:

• Marinate the cleaned and deveined prawns with the masala mentioned above and set aside for an hour.
• Soak tamarind in water and extract pulp.
• Grind the coconut to a fine paste and set aside.
• Heat coconut oil in a pan and splutter mustards.
• Add shallots, chilly and fry till translucent.
• Add ginger garlic paste and fry till the raw smell disappears.
• Add tamarind pulp, ground coconut and bring to boil.
• Add the prawns, and the remaining dry masalas and cook till prawns are soft and tender.
• Add curry leaves and remove from the stove.

The spicy prawn curry is ready.  Serve hot with rice or dosa.