Prawn Xacuti (Traditional Fare)

A very famous Goan recipe, similar to the Kerala Varutharacha masala. Chicken or fish can be prepared the same way.

INGREDIENTS:

Prawns: 250 g shelled & deveined

Green chilli: 2 slit

Shallots: 100 g

1. Coconut: 1/2cup

2. Red chilli: 8

3. Coriander seeds: 2 tsps

4. Cinnamon: 1 piece

5. Cloves: 4

6. Poppy seeds: 1 tbsp

7. White sesame/til seeds: 1 tbsp

8. Aniseed/fennel: 1 tsp

9. Ajwain/carom seeds: 1/2tsp

10. Garlic: 10 cloves

11. Ginger: 1” piece

Vinegar: 1 tbsp

Tamarind paste: 1/2tsp

Oil: 2 tbsps

Salt to taste

METHOD:

Heat a pan & dry roast 1 to 11 & grind using vinegar to a smooth paste.

Heat oil in a pan, add sliced shallots, green chillies & prawns.

Sauté well.

Add the ground paste, half a cup of water & cover the pan.

Cook till prawns are done (about 7 minutes).  

Stir in tamarind paste & salt.

Retain the gravy if you like it that way or dry it up well.

Serve with rice.