Bhuna Prawn with Puri Recipe
Description
The essence of Bhuna cooking lies in the Indian technique of stir-frying and sautéing over medium-high heat, allowing the vibrant flavors of the spices to infuse deeply into the ingredients, whether vegetables or meats. This method creates a beautifully melded dish that is both aromatic and flavorful. When preparing a Bhuna dish, it’s wise to keep a small amount of water on hand to prevent the ingredients from charring as you cook. This recipe showcases succulent prawns enveloped in a rich spice mixture, traditionally served with puris. However, if you prefer a lighter option, pairing it with rotis or phulkas is equally delightful. You can choose to leave the dish dry or add a splash of water towards the end for a more sauce-like consistency.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh ginger | 300 – 400 g |
| Garlic cloves | 8 cloves |
| Red onions | 1 medium |
| Green onions | 6 stalks |
| Fresh green chilies | 3 chilies |
| Salt | 2 tsp (divided) |
| Ground cayenne pepper | 1½ tsp |
| Paprika | 1 tsp |
| Turmeric | ¼ tsp |
| Ground coriander | 1½ tsp |
| Ground cumin | 1½ tsp |
| Garam masala powder | ½ – 1 tsp |
| Worcestershire sauce | ¾ tsp |
| Tomato puree | ½ cup |
| Tomatoes | 2 medium |
| Coriander leaves (optional) | 2 tbsp |
| Puri (for serving) | 4 pieces |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 374.8 kcal |
| Total Fat | 28.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.8 g |
| Cholesterol | 94.5 mg |
| Sodium | 1609.5 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 18.8 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.2 g |
| Sugars | 7.8 g |
| Protein | 13 g |
Instructions
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Preparation of Puris: Begin by making your puris, using a reliable recipe for homemade puris, or opt for store-bought if time is limited. If you prefer a lighter accompaniment, feel free to prepare rotis or phulkas instead.
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Heating the Oil: In a large wok or deep frying pan, heat 8 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking, which is crucial for achieving the desired stir-fry texture.
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Sautéing Aromatics: Add the chopped red onions, sliced green peppers, minced ginger, and garlic cloves to the hot oil. Sauté these ingredients for several minutes, stirring frequently, until they become soft and fragrant, allowing the aromas to develop.
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Cooking the Prawns: Introduce the prawns into the pan, stirring them well to coat them in the aromatic mixture. The prawns will begin to turn pink as they cook, which typically takes only a few minutes.
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Seasoning: Sprinkle half of the salt over the prawns, saving the remainder for final seasoning. Next, add the ground cayenne pepper, paprika, turmeric, ground coriander, ground cumin, and garam masala powder to the mixture, ensuring all the spices are well combined.
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Adding the Sauces: Pour in the Worcestershire sauce, followed by the tomato puree and diced tomatoes. Stir everything together vigorously, breaking up the tomato pieces with the back of a spoon, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Reducing the Mixture: Maintain a high heat and continue stirring for approximately 3-4 minutes. This step is essential to dry the mixture slightly and allow the prawns to cook through completely while concentrating the flavors.
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Final Touches: Once cooked, taste the prawn mixture and adjust seasoning with the remaining salt if necessary. For an optional touch, garnish the dish with fresh coriander leaves, which will add a burst of color and freshness.
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Assembling the Puri: On a flat surface, lay out one of the puris or chapatis. When the prawn filling is cool enough to handle, spoon a generous quarter of the mixture onto the center of the puri.
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Rolling the Puri: Carefully fold the puri into a roll, tucking in the ends to secure the filling. This handheld delight is not only practical but incredibly satisfying to eat.
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Serving: Serve the filled puris on plates alongside wedges of lemon, shredded lettuce, and slices of cucumber and tomato for a refreshing contrast to the spicy prawns.
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Enjoying the Dish: It’s best enjoyed while still warm, and the experience of eating it with your fingers adds an authentic touch to the meal. Feel free to explore variations by using this prawn mixture as a filling in rice pancakes or wheat flour pancakes.
Notes
- You can adjust the spice levels according to your personal preference, adding more chilies if you prefer a spicier dish.
- This recipe is versatile, allowing you to modify the dish based on available ingredients or dietary preferences, making it a fantastic option for any gathering or a cozy family dinner.
Conclusion
This Bhuna Prawn with Puri recipe not only exemplifies the beauty of Indian cuisine through its vibrant flavors and textures but also serves as a testament to the communal joy of sharing food. Whether you choose puris or rotis, the delightful combination of spices and succulent prawns will surely leave a lasting impression at your dining table. Enjoy your culinary adventure with this splendid dish, perfect for any occasion!
