Non-vegetarian●●●Origin Hyderabad/Andhra PradeshPrep 30 minutes, plus marinating timeCook 15 minutes
A fragrant South Indian prawn curry simmered with tomatoes, green chillies, and pungent spices. It delivers a vibrant balance of sharp acidity, heat, and warm aromatic depth.
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of the ginger paste, 1 teaspoon of the garlic paste, the juice of 2 limes, the marinade spice (3 g ground turmeric), and salt to taste. Coat 500 g prawns evenly in this mixture, cover, and rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Warm 91.3 g vegetable oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Tip in 4 cardamom pods and the whole spices for the oil, stirring for about 1 minute until the pods darken and swell.
Add 300 g sliced onion and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until pale golden. Introduce the remaining 1 teaspoon ginger paste and 1 teaspoon garlic paste, cooking for 30 seconds until the raw smell clears.
Tip in the ground spice mix paste and stir-fry for 1 minute. Add 240 g chopped tomato and cook down for another 2 minutes.
Add the marinated prawns along with 24 g slit green chillies and salt to taste. Pour in 250 ml water, bring the sauce to a rolling boil, then lower the heat and simmer gently for about 5 minutes until the prawns are opaque and cooked through.
Steep a tiny pinch (0.1 g per 2 g turmeric) in 2 tbsp warm water; use to match the rich golden hue. Contributes an aristocratic, honeyed floral flavour rather than earthy bitterness.
Use 50% of the weight and stir in near the end of cooking. Adds warmth and depth since it contains ground coriander, but introduces stronger spices like clove and cinnamon.
Use 1 g ground for 4 g whole (or 1 small pinch per 2 to 3 whole cloves). Add with spice powders; disperses intense warmth quickly, so use with restraint.
Allspice berries
Use 100% of the weight whole in tempering. Imparts a warm, clove-like aromatic profile combined with hints of nutmeg and cinnamon.
Use 80% of the weight, finely shredded and browned slowly with a pinch of asafoetida. Replicates the bulk and natural sweetness in gravies without allium.
Use 40% to 50% of the fresh tomato weight mixed with a splash of water. Imparts a deeper red colour, thicker sauce, and slightly sweeter cooked flavour.