Dried Shrimp and Squash curry

As much as I love fresh/frozen shrimp, I always keep dried shrimp handy in my pantry to give that extra kick to simple vegetarian dishes - be it green beans thoran with a bit of dried shrimp thrown in or something that needs a bit more effort like this dish - It has 2 ingredients I love - shrimp and coconut. I am happy!

Ingredients:

A handful of dried shrimp cleaned

1/2 c coconut

red chillies 2

turmeric powder 1/2 tsp

curry leaves

Jeera - 1 tbsp

pearl onions - 5

green chillies - 4

ginger - 1/2 inch slice

Tomatoes - 1

Onions - 1 small

Any type of squash - 1 (I used bottle gourd)

coconut oil - 2 tbsp (optional)

Grind together coconut, green chillies and jeera seeds to a fine paste. Boil dried shrimp with water and turmeric powder. In a vessel fry the thinly sliced onions in a little oil. Then fry the tomatoes alongside. Add sliced suqsh to it and cook till squash is  almost cooked. Now add the shrimp and the water used to cook it. Add the coconut paste also. Cook for a few more minutes till the ingredients have mixed well and flavors blended well. Temper pearl onions in a bit of coconut oil and add it at the end for enhanced flavor. Enjoy!

Shrimp, Prawns and et al

I love crustaceans! I don't like crabby behavior but I sure do love to eat' em.

Here is a shrimp recipe I do quite often as its quick and easy and deeelicious!

Set 1:
Prawns/Shrimps (I use large ones, medium is too small and extra large is too big)
Dry garam masala - cloves, cardamom, cinnamon 2 each
Fennel seeds - 1 tsp
Ginger Garlic paste - 2 tbsp
Curry leaves - 4 or 5

Saute all ingredients in Set 1 with the exception of Prawns till the raw smell goes away. Don't let garlic burn though.

Set 2:
Red onions - 1 OR
Shallots - 8
Tomato - 1 thinly sliced or tomato puree or paste or sun dried tomato(each of them gives diff flavor)
shredded coconut - 1/2 cup (optional)
Green chillies slit - 5 or 6 (adjust per taste. I love more of these than chilli powder)

Now add all ingredients in set 2 and continue to saute.

Set 3:
chilli powder - 1 tbsp
coriander powder - 1/2 tbsp
Black pepper powder - 1 tbsp
garam masala - 1 tbsp

Add the prawns now to the mixture and also the ingredients in Set 3 and saute till prawns turn pink. U can add a little water if mixture is too dry but don't add too much as it will not be good. This has to finally be a semi-dry dish and remember that prawns ooze out a bit of liquid too.

Leave covered till prawns are cooked. Adjust salt. In a small pan add 2 tbsp coconut oil, about 5-6 sliced shallots and curry leaves, saute and add to the prawns. U can skip this step if u are not used to coconut oil, but it sure makes the dish tastier. Don't forget to sprinkle coriander leaves. Enjoy.