Prawns Curry with Bilmbi

 

After getting Bilimbi, adding them to the traditional prawns curry was just a natural progression. Here, bilimbi acts as a souring agent and hence tamarind or kokum is not used.

It's amazing to note the number of souring agents used in different parts of India. Tamarind, Kokum, Bilmbi, Ambado, Kachri (Rajasthan), Amchoor, Raw mango, Vinegar, Yogurt...the list is endless.

Prawns & Bilmbi curry
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups prawns, deveined, cleaned
salt
1/2 tsp turmeric powder

Grind to a fine paste
1 cup freshly scraped coconut
1 tbsp coriander seeds, roasted
7-8 black peppercorn, roasted
A small piece of onion
7-8 byadgi chilies, roasted

Tempering
1 tsp oil - preferably coconut oil
2 tbsp. minced onion
A pinch of turmeric powder
10 bilambi

Garnish
A lemon wedge

Suggested Accompaniment
A heap of plain rice

Method
1. Clean prawns and marinate with salt and turmeric powder
2. Roast coriander seeds, chilies and black peppercorn. Grind with coconut and onion, to a fine paste, adding little water as necessary.
3. Heat oil in a saucepan. Add onion and turmeric power. Add bilmbi and 2 tbsp. water. Cover and cook for 5 minutes.
4. Add marinated prawns and finely ground masala.
5. Add water depending on the desired consistency.
6. Bring to boil. Switch gas to low. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.

7. Cover and let it stand for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Note -
1. Serve this curry with plain rice and a lemon wedge.





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