1. Marinate the Prawns
- In a bowl, marinate the prawns with ½ teaspoon turmeric powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon red chili powder. Set aside for 15 minutes.
2. Fry the Prawns
- Heat 1 tablespoon mustard oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, lightly fry the prawns for 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn pink. Be careful not to overcook them. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Prepare the Masala Base
- In the same pan, add the remaining oil. Once hot, add the cinnamon stick, cardamoms, cloves, and bay leaf. Sauté until fragrant.
- Add the chopped onions and cook until golden brown.
- Add the ginger and garlic paste, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
4. Cook the Spices
- Add the remaining turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, and salt. Cook the spices for 3-4 minutes until they are well incorporated with the onion mixture.
5. Add Coconut Milk
- Pour in the coconut milk and stir well. Let the gravy simmer for 5-7 minutes on low heat until it thickens slightly.
6. Add the Prawns
- Gently add the fried prawns to the curry, stirring to coat them in the gravy. Add the slit green chilies at this stage.
- Let the prawns simmer in the coconut gravy for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. Finish with Garam Masala
- Sprinkle garam masala powder over the curry and stir gently.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.
8. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the prawn malai curry hot with steamed basmati rice or jeera rice. The creamy, fragrant curry pairs beautifully with the simplicity of rice.
Tips for Success
1. Use Fresh Prawns:
Fresh prawns elevate the taste of this dish. If using frozen prawns, thaw them completely and drain excess water before cooking.
2. Don’t Overcook the Prawns:
Prawns cook very quickly. Overcooking them can make them rubbery, so keep a close eye and cook them just until they turn pink.
3. Adjust the Spice Levels:
You can adjust the heat by adding more or fewer green chilies. If you prefer a milder curry, reduce the amount of red chili powder.
4. Balance the Flavors:
The sweetness of the coconut milk should be balanced with the spices. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed to get the perfect blend.
Conclusion
Prawn Malai Curry is a delicacy that’s as comforting as it is indulgent. The succulent prawns, bathed in a creamy, spiced coconut gravy, make for a memorable meal that’s perfect for both everyday dining and festive occasions. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or impressing guests, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Pair it with rice, and you’re all set for a deliciously satisfying meal!