Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard seeds
  • 1 teaspoon coriander seed
  • 5 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 1 tablespoon garam masala
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seed
  • 14 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 medium yellow onions, peeled and sliced
  • 2 cups coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons dried tamarind, soaked 1 hour in 1/4 cup water, worked through a sieve, discarding the seeds
  • 1 lb prawns, shelled (thawed if frozen)
  • salt

Method

  • Using a small spice grinder or small electric coffee grinder, grind mustard seeds and coriander seeds.
  • With a mortar and pestle, mix together the garlic, garam masala, ground mustard seeds and coriander seeds, ginger, cumin, and red pepper.
  • Pound it all into a paste.
  • Heat the oil in a skillet.
  • Add bay leaves and onion.
  • Saute until the onion is translucent.
  • Add the ground paste and cook until the oil separates, about 15 minutes.
  • Add the coconut milk to the sauteed onion, along with the tamarind paste.
  • Bring to a boil, then simmer over medium-low heat for 15 minutes.
  • Add the prawns and salt and simmer until done to taste, about 5 minutes.