Chettinad Eral Thokku – Prawn Masala Recipe
Chettinad Eral Thokku, a savory and spicy prawn masala, hails from the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu. This flavorful dish is a must-try for seafood lovers. Prawns, known for their natural sweetness, are coated in a spicy and aromatic tomato-based gravy that perfectly balances the heat and flavors of the dish. The addition of traditional Chettinad spices makes this recipe a standout. You can adjust the spice levels according to your preference, but the original recipe is sure to excite your taste buds.
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Chettinad
Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Prawns (cleaned and deveined) | 400 grams |
| Shallots (roughly chopped) | 1/2 cup |
| Tomatoes (chopped) | 2 medium |
| Curry leaves | 2 sprigs |
| Green chillies (slit) | 2 |
| Ginger garlic paste | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
| Red chilli powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Coriander powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Lemon juice | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | 1 1/2 tablespoons |
| Fresh coriander leaves (chopped) | For garnish |
Instructions
-
Marinate the Prawns
Start by marinating the cleaned and deveined prawns with salt and lemon juice. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors infuse. -
Sauté the Aromatics
Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of oil in a Kadai or deep pan. Add the ginger garlic paste and sauté it until the raw smell disappears, releasing a fragrant aroma. Once done, add the chopped shallots, curry leaves, and slit green chilies. Stir and cook until the onions become soft and translucent. -
Cook the Tomatoes
Once the onions have softened, add the chopped tomatoes to the pan. Continue cooking until the tomatoes break down and become soft and mushy. At this point, the oil should begin to separate from the mixture. -
Add the Spices
Now, it’s time to bring in the spices! Add red chilli powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, black pepper powder, and salt. Stir the mixture well to combine, ensuring the spices coat the onion-tomato mixture evenly. -
Cook the Prawns
Add the marinated prawns to the pan. Stir to coat the prawns in the spice mix, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cook for a couple of minutes before adding 1 tablespoon of water to the pan. Stir again and cover the pan. Let the prawns cook, stirring occasionally, until they are fully cooked through and tender. If the gravy becomes too thick or dry, add a bit more water and cook on medium-high heat until the prawns are perfectly cooked and tender. -
Final Touches
Once the prawns are cooked and the gravy has reached a semi-thick consistency, turn off the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves to add a refreshing burst of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Chettinad Eral Thokku pairs wonderfully with steamed rice. You can also serve it alongside a comforting bowl of Palak Tovve (Spinach and Lentil Curry) or Palak Dal for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Enjoy the rich and aromatic flavors of Chettinad cuisine with this exquisite prawn masala that’s sure to delight your family and friends!
