Chettinad Prawn Masala (Eral Thokku) – Spicy South Indian Shrimp Curry

Chettinad Eral Thokku Recipe – Prawn Masala (Chettinad Style)

Chettinad cuisine, originating from the southern part of India, is renowned for its bold, spicy flavors and aromatic spices. One such dish is Chettinad Eral Thokku, a flavorful prawn masala that captures the essence of this culinary tradition. This delightful dish combines succulent prawns with a rich, spicy gravy, infused with the distinct heat of red chilies, the warmth of turmeric, and the fragrant aroma of curry leaves. It’s a perfect choice for a lunch or dinner paired with steamed rice and a side of dal or vegetables.

Ingredients for Chettinad Eral Thokku

Preparation Time

• 10 minutes (for marinating prawns)

Cooking Time

• 30 minutes

Total Time

• 40 minutes

Servings

• 4 servings

Cuisine

• Chettinad (South Indian)

Course

• Lunch

Diet

• Non-Vegetarian

Instructions for Making Chettinad Eral Thokku (Prawn Masala)

1. Marinate the Prawns:

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   • Begin by cleaning and deveining the prawns thoroughly. In a bowl, add the prawns along with salt and lemon juice. Mix everything well and allow the prawns to marinate for 15 minutes in the refrigerator.

2. Cook the Masala:

   • Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of sunflower oil in a Kadai (a traditional Indian wok) over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ginger garlic paste and sauté it until the raw smell disappears, which should take about a minute.
   • Next, add the chopped shallots, curry leaves, and slit green chilies to the oil. Cook them together, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and translucent.

3. Add Tomatoes and Spices:

   • Once the onions have softened, add the chopped tomatoes to the pan. Continue cooking until the tomatoes turn soft and mushy, and the oil begins to separate from the masala. This will typically take about 5 minutes.
   • At this stage, add the red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, black pepper powder, and salt. Stir well to combine the spices with the tomato-onion mixture, allowing the spices to release their flavors.

4. Add Marinated Prawns:

   • Add the marinated prawns into the pan. Stir the prawns thoroughly to coat them with the masala and ensure the spices are well distributed. This is where the magic happens, as the prawns will absorb all the flavors of the aromatic masala.

5. Cook the Prawns:

   • Add 1 tablespoon of water to the pan, mixing everything well. Cover the pan with a lid and allow the prawns to cook on medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until they turn pink and are fully cooked. If needed, add more water to maintain a semi-gravy consistency. Remember, prawns also release some water while cooking, so adjust the consistency of the gravy to your preference.

6. Garnish and Serve:

   • Once the prawns are fully cooked and the gravy has reached a semi-thick consistency, remove the pan from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves for a burst of freshness and color.

7. Serving Suggestions:

   • Serve the Chettinad Eral Thokku hot with steamed rice or Palak Tovve (Spinach and Lentil Curry) for a comforting, traditional South Indian meal. The balance of flavors and textures in this dish is sure to impress anyone who loves the bold flavors of Chettinad cuisine.

Tips for a Perfect Chettinad Prawn Masala:

• Prawns: Ensure that the prawns are cleaned and deveined properly to avoid any gritty texture. If using frozen prawns, make sure to thaw them completely before marinating.
• Spice Adjustments: If you prefer a milder version, you can reduce the amount of red chili powder or black pepper. Adjust the level of heat according to your taste preference.
• Consistency of Gravy: You can adjust the consistency of the gravy based on your preference. For a thicker gravy, reduce the water quantity or cook the masala longer. For a slightly thinner gravy, add more water as needed.

This Chettinad Eral Thokku recipe brings the vibrant flavors of South India right to your plate, making it an unforgettable addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy this spicy, aromatic prawn masala with loved ones, and treat yourself to a true taste of Chettinad!