Shrimp Masala/Eral Thokku/Spicy Prawn Fry

Ingredients

Small Shrimp/Eral/Small Prawn - 1.5 Pound or 750 gms
Cardamon - 2 nos
Cumin seeds/Jeera - 1/2 ts
Cloves - 2 nos
Cinnamon Stick - 1/4 inch piece
Saunf/Fennel Seeds - 1 ts
Peeled Pearl Onion/Shallots - 20 to 30 nos or chopped Big onion - 1 no
Tomato - 2 nos
Ginger Garlic Paste - 2 ts
Green Chilli - 1 no
Curry Leaves - 1 twig
Chopped Coriander leaves - 2 ts
Turmeric Pwd - 1/4 ts
Red Chilli Pwd - 1 ts
Coriander Powder - 2 ts
Cumin Powder - 1/4 ts
Oil - 2 ts
Coriander Leaves for garnish
Salt for taste
Black Pepper Powder - 1 ts
Lemon Juice - 1 ts (optional)


Method

1. First clean the shrimp by taking off the head and tail (if you like the head u can cook them too, they are really good in taste and crunchy. Ensure that you take off the sting from the head before you cook) then discard the black vein by silting the shrimp with a knife, finally wash them with cold water by adding some turmeric powder and salt. Drain the water and keep the cleaned shrimp aside.

2. Finely chop the pearl onion & Tomatoes. In a medium heat place a pan add 2 ts of oil, once it is hot add the cardamon,cloves,cinnamon,Fennel seeds,Jeera and curry leaves, saute for 10 sec then add the chopped coriander leaves and Ginger Garlic paste saute for another 10 secs now add the Green chilli and chopped onions, saute till the onions are translucent it takes like 6 to 8 mins.

3. Now add the turmeric powder and chopped tomatoes saute it for 10 sec then add the chilli powder,coriander powder,cumin powder and a ts of salt and saute it nicely till the tomatoes are softened and wait till the raw smell goes off once you think the seasoning is correct then add the cleaned shrimp and saute for about 5 to 10 mins or till the shrimp is cooked then add the black pepper powder and lemon juice, mix it nicely and turn off the stove..

4.Garnish with more coriander leaves.

Enjoy with white rice or chapati