Eral thokku (prawn masala)

Ingredients

• 500 g prawns, cleaned and deveined
• 15 shallots, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1½ tsp red chilli powder
• 1½ tsp coriander powder
• ½ tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp crushed black pepper
• ½ tsp fennel seeds
• 1 sprig curry leaves
• 3 tbsp oil
• Salt to taste
• Coriander leaves

Method

1. Toss the prawns with turmeric, a little chilli powder and salt.
2. Heat oil, add fennel and curry leaves, then the shallots, and fry until golden.
3. Add ginger-garlic paste and tomatoes and cook until the oil separates.
4. Add the spice powders and a splash of water and cook into a thick masala.
5. Add the prawns and cook on high heat for 5–6 minutes until they curl and the masala coats them; do not overcook.
6. Add the pepper and coriander and serve with rice and rasam.