Description
This Chettinad Prawns Fry is a spicy, aromatic South Indian dish packed with bold flavors from freshly ground Chettinad spices. It’s dry, crispy, and perfect as a side dish or appetizer!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Prawns:
- 500g (1 lb) prawns (cleaned & deveined)
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Chettinad Masala:
- 1 tsp fennel seeds
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- 1 tsp coriander seeds
- 2 dried red chilies
- 1-inch cinnamon stick
- 2 cloves
- 2 cardamom pods
For the Fry:
- 2 tbsp oil (preferably coconut oil)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 sprig curry leaves
- 1 small tomato (finely chopped)
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp chopped coriander leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Prawns
- Clean the prawns and pat them dry.
- Marinate with turmeric, salt, and lemon juice. Set aside for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Chettinad Masala
- Dry roast fennel seeds, cumin seeds, black peppercorns, coriander seeds, dried red chilies, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes).
- Cool slightly, then grind into a coarse powder. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Prawns
- Heat oil in a pan. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and curry leaves. Sauté for another minute.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes and cook until soft.
- Add turmeric, red chili powder, and the freshly ground Chettinad masala. Mix well.
- Add the marinated prawns and fry on medium heat for 4-5 minutes until fully cooked.
- Sprinkle garam masala and stir-fry for another minute until everything is well coated and slightly crispy.
Step 4: Serve
- Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot with rice, dosa, or parotta!
Notes
- For extra crispiness, add 1 tsp rice flour while frying the prawns.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing black pepper and red chilies.
- Use coconut oil for an authentic Chettinad flavor.
- Pair with lemon wedges for a tangy touch!
Nutrition
- Calories: ~250 kcal
- Sodium: ~600mg
- Fat: ~12g
- Saturated Fat: ~4g
- Carbohydrates: ~8g
- Fiber: ~3g
- Protein: ~30g