🍤 Assam Spicy Shrimp, also known as “Assam Prawn” or “Assam Shrimp Curry,” is a delightful and aromatic dish hailing from the northeastern state of Assam in India. This dish is known for its bold and spicy flavors, making it a favorite among seafood enthusiasts. Here’s a detailed response with the information you requested, along with some delicious emojis:
📜 History: Assam Spicy Shrimp is deeply rooted in Assamese cuisine, which is characterized by its use of bold spices and local ingredients. Assam’s cuisine reflects its rich cultural diversity and is heavily influenced by the use of ingredients like mustard, green chilies, and various aromatic spices. The use of shrimp in this dish showcases the state’s love for seafood.
🍤 Components:
- Shrimp: The star of the dish, fresh shrimp or prawns are the primary ingredient.
- Mustard Oil: Assam Spicy Shrimp is traditionally cooked in mustard oil, which imparts a distinct flavor to the dish.
- Green Chilies: These provide the dish with its signature spiciness.
- Spices: Common spices include turmeric, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, and sometimes fennel seeds.
- Tamarind: Tamarind pulp or paste adds a tangy twist to the dish.
- Onions and Tomatoes: These are used to create the base of the curry.
- Ginger and Garlic: Often used in a paste form, these ingredients enhance the flavor.
- Fresh Coriander: Used for garnishing.
👩🍳 Steps to Prepare:
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Cleaning the Shrimp: Begin by cleaning and deveining the shrimp. You can leave the tail on for presentation.
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Marination: Marinate the shrimp with salt and turmeric. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes.
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Prepare the Spice Paste: In a blender, combine ginger, garlic, green chilies, and a bit of water to create a fine paste.
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Heat Mustard Oil: In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat mustard oil until it starts smoking. Allow it to cool slightly to mellow out the pungent taste.
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Temper the Oil: Add cumin seeds and fenugreek seeds to the hot oil. These will sizzle and release their flavors.
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Onion and Tomato Base: Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent. Then, add chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften.
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Add Spice Paste: Stir in the ginger-garlic-chili paste and cook until the raw smell disappears.
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Spices: Add turmeric and a bit of water to create a thick, flavorful base.
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Tamarind: Mix in tamarind paste or pulp, which provides a tangy kick.
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Cook the Shrimp: Gently add the marinated shrimp and let them cook until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can become rubbery.
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Adjust Seasoning: Taste the curry and adjust salt and spiciness if needed.
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Garnish: Finish with fresh coriander leaves for a burst of freshness.
🕒 Preparation Time: You can prepare Assam Spicy Shrimp in approximately 30-40 minutes, making it a relatively quick seafood dish.
Enjoy the delightful, spicy, and tangy flavors of Assam Spicy Shrimp with steamed rice or Indian bread like roti or naan. 🍽️🌶️🔥
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Assam Spicy Shrimp:
📊 Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximately 1 cup of prepared Assam Spicy Shrimp):
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Calories: About 200-250 calories, primarily from shrimp and the use of mustard oil.
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Protein: Shrimp is an excellent source of high-quality protein. You can expect around 20-25 grams of protein per serving.
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Fat: The mustard oil and shrimp provide healthy fats. There may be about 10-15 grams of fat, but most of it comes from heart-healthy unsaturated fats.
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Carbohydrates: This dish is relatively low in carbohydrates, with only a few grams, primarily from the spices and vegetables.
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Fiber: There’s minimal fiber in this dish.
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Sodium: The sodium content can vary based on the amount of salt used, but it’s generally moderate due to the spices and tamarind.
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Vitamins and Minerals: Assam Spicy Shrimp is a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C from the green chilies and tomatoes. Shrimp also provides essential nutrients like iodine, selenium, and vitamin B12.
🌱 Health Information:
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Protein: Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, which is important for muscle health and overall body function.
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Omega-3 Fatty Acids: The shrimp and mustard oil used in the dish contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their heart-healthy benefits.
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Spices: The spices used, such as turmeric, are believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
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Low Carbohydrates: If you’re watching your carbohydrate intake, Assam Spicy Shrimp is a low-carb option.
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Moderate Sodium: Be mindful of the amount of salt used, as excessive sodium intake can contribute to high blood pressure. You can adjust the salt to suit your dietary preferences.
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Vitamins and Minerals: This dish contains vitamins and minerals that are important for overall health. For example, vitamin C from the green chilies and tomatoes is essential for the immune system.
It’s worth noting that the healthiness of this dish can vary based on factors like portion size and ingredient choices. To make it even healthier, you can use less oil and control the level of spiciness to suit your preferences. Enjoy Assam Spicy Shrimp as part of a balanced diet. 🍤🍃
