Prawn Ghee Roast: A Flavorful Mangalorean Delight
Discover the enticing flavors of Mangalorean cuisine with our Prawn Ghee Roast recipe, a delightful dish that perfectly combines succulent prawns with aromatic spices and rich ghee. This recipe is not just a treat for your taste buds; it also offers a glimpse into the culinary traditions of coastal India, where seafood is a staple. With a preparation time of just 10 minutes and a cooking time of 15 minutes, you can have this flavorful dish ready to serve in under half an hour. Perfect as a side dish, it pairs beautifully with Mangalorean-style Kuvalyacho Pollav and steamed rice for a wholesome meal that will transport you to the shores of Karnataka.

Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Prawns (shelled and deveined) | 250 grams |
Dry Red Chillies | 4 |
Whole Black Peppercorns | 1/2 teaspoon |
Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
Mustard Seeds | 1/4 teaspoon |
Methi Seeds (Fenugreek Seeds) | 1/4 teaspoon |
Coriander Seeds (Dhania) | 1/2 teaspoon |
Fennel Seeds (Saunf) | 1/2 teaspoon |
Tamarind (soaked in warm water) | 1 tablespoon |
Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
Red Chilli Powder | 2 teaspoons |
Curd (Dahi/Yogurt) | 1/4 cup |
Lemon Juice | 1/2 (about 1 tablespoon) |
Garlic | 6 cloves |
Ghee | 2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon |
Salt | As per taste |
Nutritional Information
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (Approx.) |
---|---|
Calories | 250 |
Protein | 25g |
Carbohydrates | 10g |
Total Fat | 15g |
Saturated Fat | 7g |
Fiber | 1g |
Sugars | 2g |
Sodium | 500mg |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 2
Instructions
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Soak the Chillies: Start by soaking the dry red chillies in warm water for about 1 hour. Once they have softened, drain the water and set the chillies aside.
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Prepare the Prawns: Clean the prawns thoroughly under running water. Pat them dry with a kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
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Prepare the Tamarind: Soak the tamarind in 1/4 cup of warm water for about 10 minutes. After soaking, squeeze the tamarind to extract the pulp and discard the fibers.
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Roast the Spices: In a small frying pan over medium heat, add the whole black peppercorns, fenugreek seeds, mustard seeds, fennel seeds, and cumin seeds. Roast these spices until they begin to splutter and release their aromatic fragrance, then turn off the heat. Transfer the roasted spices to a bowl and allow them to cool completely.
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Grind the Spices: Once cooled, grind the roasted spices to a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
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Make the Garlic-Chilli Paste: In a grinder, combine the soaked chillies and garlic cloves with a splash of water. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste.
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Marinate the Prawns: In a bowl, marinate the cleaned prawns with lemon juice, yogurt, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, and a pinch of salt. Allow the prawns to marinate for 20 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
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Cook the Prawns: Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee in a pan over medium flame. Add the marinated prawns in batches, frying them on both sides until they turn light brown. Remove the prawns from the pan and set them aside.
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Prepare the Masala: In the same pan, add the garlic-chilli paste to the remaining ghee and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Return the prawns to the pan, then add the roasted spice powder, the remaining marinade, and salt. Stir well and cook until the oil begins to separate from the masala.
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Add Tamarind and Curry Leaves: Pour in the tamarind pulp and add a few curry leaves. Cook on low flame for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the mixture seems too dry, sprinkle a little water to adjust the consistency.
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Finish and Serve: Once cooked, add the remaining teaspoon of ghee on top, mix everything together, and switch off the heat. Transfer the Prawn Ghee Roast to a serving bowl.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Prawn Ghee Roast as a side dish, ideally accompanied by Mangalorean-style Kuvalyacho Pollav and steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal. This dish is sure to impress with its robust flavors and delightful aroma, making it a perfect choice for both everyday dinners and special occasions. Enjoy this culinary journey into the heart of Mangalorean cuisine, where every bite tells a story of tradition and love for food!