Chemmeen Ularthu - Prawn Dry Fry

Chemmeen or Prawn is one of those sea foods that taste extremely yummy. Getting the freshest of prawns would be the better choice for making the perfect prawn delicacy. Anyone who loves eating sea food would always prefer prawns in the first place and to be frank, I am also an ardent fan of prawn delicacies.

Usually in Kerala, people use to make prawn curries, prawn dry fry or ularthu and simple prawn fry. Since it is very tasty to the core, most people make it a point to fry it or make an ularthu with onions or shallots. If you do not add much chilly powder or green chilies, you will find that your kids too will love it a lot. Ularthu of Chemmeen is a real tasty delight for your taste buds and I am sure you will not be able to resist having them.

This is a simple dish that does not need much of an effort you usually put in bringing out the finest dishes. All you need to do is have fresh prawns and the right amount of ingredients that go with it; and not to forget the correct amount of salt. Too much salt can spoil this dish. So make sure you take good care while adding salt during the making of the dish.

Ingredients

·         Prawns /Chemmeen – 1 kg

·         Onions      - 2

·         Shallots     - 6 nos

·         Ginger Garlic paste- ¼ tsp

·         Green chilly – 1

·         Tomato – 1 large

·         Red chilly powder – 1 + ¼ tsp (For separate use)(You can increase the quantity according to the quantity and the taste you like)

·         Turmeric Powder – ¼ tsp + a pinch (For separate use)

·         Oil –

·         Curry leaves

·         Salt

Method

·         In a vessel, add prawns, ¼ tsp of red chilly, a pinch of turmeric and small amount of salt

·         Mix well

·         Heat a pan and pour oil for shallow fry

·         Add the prawns mixed with masala to the oil and fry till golden brown. Do not over cook

·         When the prawns are done, remove them from the pan and keep aside

·         In the same pan, add a bit of oil if there is no oil left,

·         Add curry leaves, finely chopped onions to the oil with green chilies and sauté well

·         After the onions have turned golden brown, add ginger garlic paste and sauté well

·         After 2 min, add 1 tsp of chilly powder and ¼ tsp of turmeric to the pan and sauté well

·         You may now add finely chopped tomatoes to it and sauté for yet another five min.

·         Add sufficient salt. Just add the right amount that is needed for the onions and tomato

·         Now you may add the fried prawns to the pan

·         Sauté well and close the lid for 5 min

·         After 5 min, open the lid and remove the contents in a serving bowl

·         Serve hot with rice or chapattis.

·         Enjoy!!