Mushroom and Prawn Malai Curry Recipe
Indulge in the luxurious flavors of this Mushroom and Prawn Malai Curry, a delightful Bengali dish that harmoniously blends the sweetness of prawns with the earthy notes of mushrooms, all enveloped in a rich, creamy coconut sauce. This recipe not only showcases the vibrant culinary traditions of Bengal but also brings an aromatic allure that makes it perfect for a cozy lunch or a special dinner.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Prawns | 250 grams |
Button mushrooms | 250 grams |
Tomato paste | 1 (medium-sized) |
Onion paste | 1 (medium-sized) |
Ginger paste | 1 inch |
Garlic paste | 5 cloves |
Green chillies paste | 1 (adjust to taste) |
Curd (Dahi/Yogurt) | 1 tablespoon |
Coconut milk | 1/2 cup |
Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds | 3 |
Cloves (Laung) | 5 |
Cinnamon stick (Dalchini) | 1 inch |
Bay leaves (Tej Patta) | 2 |
Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
Salt | To taste |
Red chilli powder | To taste |
Sugar | To taste |
Mustard oil (for frying) | 2 tablespoons |
Mustard oil (for gravy) | 3 tablespoons |
Ghee | 1 tablespoon |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | Approx. 320 |
Protein | Approx. 22 g |
Carbohydrates | Approx. 12 g |
Fat | Approx. 20 g |
Fiber | Approx. 2 g |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 3
Instructions
-
Marinate the Prawns: Begin by thoroughly cleaning the prawns and marinating them with turmeric powder and salt for about 30 minutes to an hour. This not only enhances the flavor but also helps tenderize the prawns.
-
Fry the Prawns: In a kadai (a deep, wide pan), heat 2 tablespoons of mustard oil over medium heat. Add the marinated prawns and lightly fry them until they turn golden brown. Once cooked, remove them from the pan and set aside.
-
Prepare the Mushrooms: Clean the button mushrooms and slice them lengthwise. In the same kadai, add a little more mustard oil if needed and stir-fry the mushrooms for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly tender. Remove and set aside with the prawns.
-
Make the Spice Base: In the same pan, add 3 tablespoons of mustard oil and 1 tablespoon of ghee. Once the oil is hot, add the cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon stick, cumin seeds, and bay leaves. Allow the spices to sizzle for a few seconds until fragrant.
-
Cook the Onions: Add the onion paste to the pan. Sauté until the onions turn golden brown, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Once browned, add the ginger paste, garlic paste, and green chili paste, cooking for another minute.
-
Add the Tomatoes: Incorporate the tomato paste and cook for a few minutes until the mixture becomes aromatic and the oil starts to separate from the masala.
-
Season the Gravy: Add sugar, salt, turmeric powder, and cumin powder. Stir well to combine. Then, add the curd and mix thoroughly, cooking until the oil separates from the masala again.
-
Incorporate Coconut Milk: Slowly pour in the coconut milk and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the pan and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. If the mixture appears too thick, add a little water or more coconut milk to reach your desired consistency.
-
Combine Prawns and Mushrooms: Gently mix the fried prawns and mushrooms into the simmering gravy. Let everything cook together for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the prawns to absorb the flavorful sauce.
-
Finish and Serve: Once cooked, turn off the heat and sprinkle garam masala powder over the curry. Cover the kadai and let it rest for 10-15 minutes to enhance the flavors further.
Serve the Mushroom and Prawn Malai Curry hot, accompanied by fluffy steamed rice for a truly delightful meal that brings the essence of Bengali cuisine to your table.
Cooking Tips
- Adjust Spice Levels: Modify the number of green chillies or the amount of red chili powder based on your heat preference.
- Coconut Milk: For a richer flavor, you can use thick coconut milk instead of regular.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair this curry with Indian flatbreads like naan or paratha for a varied experience.
Enjoy the comforting warmth and rich flavors of this Mushroom and Prawn Malai Curry, a perfect centerpiece for your lunch or dinner gatherings!