Chemmeen or Prawn Theeyal: Every shellfish enthusiast's go-to Kerala curry dish

If you're in to try out something exclusive to Kerala cuisine's seafood dishes, the Chemmeen or Prawn Theeyal is for you. A traditional curry made of roasted coconut and a variety of vegetables (as per your choice), this flavoursome dish is known for its rich mahagony tones and flavour. The slightly thick gravy, pearl onions (or shallots) complements the dish. Although the preparation is bit elaborate, it is worth the effort.

Chemeen Theeyal (Prawn Theeyal) is every seafood lovers' delight and best accompanied with either boiled red rice, appam, puttu, roti and even the Malabar paratha or 'porotta' (flatbread).

Ingredients :

500gm prawns (deveined and cleaned)

150gm grated coconut

200gm shallots (sliced into two pieces)

50gm shallots (finely chopped)

40gm coconut (chopped into small pieces)

2tsp red Chilli Powder

2tsp coriander powder

1tsp mustard seeds

1/2tsp turmeric powder

Salt to taste

1/2tsp fenugreek powder (Dry roasted)

3 green chillies

2 red chillies (dried)

2 pieces of pot tamarind or Kudampuli

3 sprigs curry leaves

3 tbsp coconut oil

400ml water

Method

Step 1: Take a heavy bottom Kadai or pan and heat it on a low flame. Add grated coconut, chopped shallots, and one sprig of curry leaves. Continue to roast it over a low flame till the coconut turns dark brown. Make sure you do not overburn the coconut, or else the gravy will result in a bitter taste.

Step 2: Add 2 teaspoon of red chilli powder and 2 teaspoons of coriander powder and mix it altogether for 30 seconds. Turn the flame off and keep it aside for cooling.

Step 3: After the roasted mix cools down, grind this into a fine paste using a mixer grinder.

Note: Do not add water while you grind the mix into a paste.

Step 4: Using the same Kadai, add 2 tbsp of coconut oil. Once heated, add the chopped coconut pieces and fry it till it becomes light golden brown colour. Add a pinch of salt to accelerate the frying process.

Step 5: Add the sliced shallots and sauté it till it turns a light brown shade. Add green chillies and one sprig of curry leaves and stir for another minute.

Step 6: Add the tcleaned prawns and sauté it further for 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 7: Take a clay pot (mannchatti) or a heavy bottom skillet, and pour the roasted coconut paste into it. Mix it in 400 ml of water and add turmeric powder. Mix well and allow it to boil.

Step 8: Transfer the half cooked prawns into the clay pot, then add Fenugreek powder and the nicely washed and soaked pot tamarind (kudampuli). Cook it for about 12 to 15 minutes with a closed lid. Stir occasionally and you will notice that the oil starts to float on the top.

Note: Before you start cooking the Theeyal, soak the pot tamarind for 15 minutes in hot water. Do not throw the water, add it to the gravy instead.

Step 9: Take the pan off the flame.

Step 10: Finally, heat 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in a small frying pan, add one nicely chopped shallot, one sprig of curry leaves and two dry red chillies. Temper this for few seconds and then pour this spice-infused oil over the curry.

Allow the Theeyal to rest for 15-30 minutes before serving (this will help in flavours of curry leaves, coconut oil and pot tamarind to release its essences). Accompany this dish with roti or rice.

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