otterlyslick
Culinary Explorer
I recently cooked Bangladeshi Chingri Malai Curry, and wow—it’s a dish that delivers elegance and bold flavors in every bite! This classic Bengali prawn curry combines succulent shrimp (or prawns) with a creamy coconut milk base, enriched with aromatic spices. It’s surprisingly easy to make and perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a special meal. Here's the recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Curry:
- 1 lb prawns or shrimp, peeled and deveined (keep tails on for presentation, optional)
- 2 tablespoons mustard oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 2 green chilies, slit lengthwise
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup water (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon ghee (optional)
- Steamed basmati rice (for serving)
Instructions:
1. Prep the Prawns:
- Toss the prawns with 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder and a pinch of salt. Set aside for 10 minutes.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of mustard oil in a skillet over medium heat. Lightly fry the prawns for 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn pink. Remove and set aside.
2. Prepare the Curry Base:
- In the same pan, heat the remaining mustard oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
- Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and green chilies. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until aromatic.
- Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, ground coriander, and ground cumin. Mix well and cook for another minute.
3. Add the Coconut Milk:
- Pour in the coconut milk and water, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add sugar and salt to balance the flavors.
4. Cook the Prawns:
- Return the prawns to the pan, ensuring they are fully submerged in the curry sauce.
- Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the prawns are tender and the flavors meld together.
5. Finish and Serve:
- Stir in a dollop of ghee for extra richness (optional).
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
- Serve hot with steamed basmati rice for a comforting, flavorful meal.
Conclusion:
Chingri Malai Curry is an iconic Bangladeshi dish that perfectly blends the richness of coconut with the delicate sweetness of prawns. It's easy to make yet luxurious enough for special occasions. Pair it with rice and let the luscious curry transport you straight to the heart of Bengal.
. Though getting the spices just right is the real magic!
