Goan Style Caril De Camarao (Prawn Curry Recipe)
Goan cuisine is a delightful fusion of bold, spicy flavors with a touch of Portuguese influence, and the Goan style Caril De Camarao is a quintessential dish that showcases the vibrant flavors of this coastal region. This prawn curry, known for its rich coconut base, is a perfect balance of spice and tang, with the added zest of tamarind and fresh prawns. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, this recipe is both simple and quick to make, requiring minimal ingredients but delivering maximum flavor.
In this rendition, we’ve adapted the traditional recipe by replacing ground coconut with coconut milk, making it more accessible to busy home cooks without compromising on authenticity. The dish comes together in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for a satisfying weekday lunch or dinner. Paired with steamed rice or flaky parotta, this curry becomes a hearty, soul-satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Prawns (shelled and deveined) | 300 grams |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 medium onion |
| Coconut milk | 1 cup |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Red chili powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Coriander powder (Dhania) | 3 teaspoons |
| Tamarind paste | 1 tablespoon |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | For sautéing |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~240 kcal |
| Protein | ~20 grams |
| Carbohydrates | ~7 grams |
| Fat | ~15 grams |
| Fiber | ~2 grams |
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2-3
Instructions:
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Prepare the base: Start by heating oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions to the pan and sauté until they turn golden brown and aromatic. This will form the foundation of your curry’s flavor.
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Add the spices and prawns: Once the onions are browned, sprinkle in the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Stir well to combine the spices, allowing them to toast slightly in the hot oil to release their natural oils. Add the prawns to the skillet and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the prawns begin to curl up, turning pink and cooked on the outside.
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Incorporate the coconut milk and tamarind: Pour in the coconut milk, followed by the tamarind paste and lemon juice. These ingredients will provide the creamy, tangy base that gives this curry its signature taste. Stir everything together to ensure the prawns are well-coated with the sauce. Add salt to taste.
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Simmer the curry: Reduce the heat to low and let the curry simmer for about 10 minutes. The prawns will continue to cook and absorb the flavors of the curry. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent the coconut milk from separating or sticking to the bottom of the pan.
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Finish and serve: Once the curry has thickened slightly and the prawns are fully cooked, switch off the heat. Your Goan style Caril De Camarao is now ready to serve. For a complete meal, pair it with steamed rice, or for a more indulgent experience, serve with warm, flaky parotta.
Serving Suggestions:
This Goan style prawn curry pairs wonderfully with simple steamed rice or parotta (a type of soft, layered Indian flatbread). For an added touch, serve alongside a crispy rava fry or any light vegetable salad to balance the richness of the curry.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick & Easy: With a preparation time of just 5 minutes and a cooking time of 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or weekends when you’re craving something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
- Authentic Taste: The use of coconut milk and tamarind ensures the dish retains the signature Goan flavors, while the prawns add a fresh, tender texture that elevates the curry.
- Balanced Flavors: The combination of spices, tangy tamarind, and creamy coconut milk creates a beautiful harmony of flavors that will leave your taste buds tingling.
The Goan style Caril De Camarao (Prawn Curry) brings the bold and spicy flavors of Goa straight to your kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a rich and satisfying dish that will transport you to the sun-kissed shores of this coastal paradise.
