๐ค Mangalorean Prawn Curry
(Coastal Prawn Curry with Tamarind)
A comforting coastal curry where prawns simmer in a tangy tomato-tamarind gravy
infused with curry leaves and coconut oil.
๐ถ๏ธ Spice Level: ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ Medium
โฑ๏ธ Prep Time: 15 minutes
๐ฒ Cook Time: 25 minutes
๐ฝ๏ธ Serves: 4
๐Calories: ~240 per serving
๐ The Sea Sings Spice
๐ฟ Introduction
Along the western coast of India, seafood and spice have always shared the same kitchen.
This simple Mangalorean-style prawn curry brings together juicy prawns, shallots, tamarind,
curry leaves, and warming spices into a comforting everyday meal.
The gravy is light yet flavorful, allowing the sweetness of the prawns to shine
while the tamarind adds a gentle coastal tang.
Whether served with steamed rice or neer dosa, it is the kind of meal that tastes of home,
sea breeze, and family lunches gathered around the table.
โSimple ingredients. Coastal flavors. A curry that lets the prawns do the talking.โ
Mangalorean Prawn Curry
(Coastal Prawn Curry with Tamarind)
Photo by Stirred By Spice
๐ Ingredients
๐ค For the Curry
250 g prawns, cleaned and deveined
6โ7 shallots, sliced
ยผ tsp fenugreek seeds
1 tbsp coconut oil
2 sprigs curry leaves
2 green chilies, slit
1 tbsp coriander leaves, chopped
Salt, to taste
Water, as needed
๐ถ๏ธ To Grind
1 medium tomato
1ยฝ tsp red chili powder
ยฝ tsp turmeric powder
Lemon-sized tamarind
1 tsp ginger
3 garlic cloves
๐ฝ๏ธ Instructions
Step 1 โ Prepare the Masala
Grind the tomato, tamarind, ginger, garlic, turmeric powder, and red chili powder into a smooth paste.
Set aside.
Step 2 โ Build the Base
Heat coconut oil in a pan.
Add fenugreek seeds and allow them to become fragrant.
Add curry leaves and sliced shallots.
Sautรฉ until the shallots soften and turn lightly golden.
Step 3 โCook the Masala
Add the prepared spice paste to the pan.
Cook on medium heat until the raw aroma disappears and the mixture thickens slightly.
Step 4 โ Simmer the Gravy
Add water to achieve your preferred curry consistency.
Season with salt.
Bring the gravy to a gentle boil.
Step 5 โ Cook the Prawns
Add the cleaned prawns to the simmering gravy.
Cook for 4โ5 minutes until the prawns turn pink and are just cooked through.
Avoid overcooking.
Step 6 โ Finish & Serve
Sprinkle with chopped coriander leaves.
Serve hot with steamed rice, neer dosa, appam, or crusty bread.
๐งก Curious what tools I use in my everyday kitchen?
You can find my trusted cookware and appliances here โ My Kitchen Resources
๐ท Optional Serving Notes
For the Curious Home Cook
Spices are more than heat or color โ theyโre the quiet backbone of everyday Indian cooking.
Used with care, they bring warmth, balance, and depth to even the simplest meals.
If youโve ever wondered why certain spices are paired together, or how masalas shape flavor without overwhelming it,
Iโve gathered those foundations into a gentle, practical guide.
๐ฌ Soulful Note
The sea has always shaped the food of the Mangalorean coast.
A simple prawn curry like this reminds us that some of the most memorable meals
are not elaborate feasts, but everyday dishes shared with family,
rice on the plate, and stories around the table.
๐ Cookโs Wisdom / FAQs
๐ฉโ๐ณCook's Wisdom:
Prawns cook quickly and continue cooking in the residual heat. Turn off the heat as soon as they are done.
Fenugreek seeds add a subtle coastal bitterness that balances the tang of tamarind beautifully.
Fresh curry leaves make a noticeable difference to the final flavor.
๐กHelpful Tips
โจ Use medium-sized prawns for the best balance of flavor and texture.
โจ Adjust the amount of water depending on whether you prefer a thicker or lighter curry.
โจ Freshly squeezed tamarind pulp gives the most authentic flavor.
โจ This curry tastes even better after resting for 15โ20 minutes before serving.
โFAQ
Can I use frozen prawns?
Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
Can I make this curry ahead of time?
Yes, but add the prawns shortly before serving for the best texture.
What can I use instead of tamarind?
A small amount of kokum or a squeeze of lime can be used, though tamarind provides the traditional flavor.
Can I make it spicier?
Absolutely. Increase the red chili powder or add extra green chilies.
๐ Nutrition (Per Serving โ Approx.)
Calories 240 kcal
Protein 24 g
Carb- 8 g
Fat-12 g
Fiber: 2 g
๐ณ Helpful Kitchen Equipment
The right kitchen tools make everyday cooking smoother and more enjoyable. These are the essentials I regularly use in my kitchen for preparing Indian meals with ease.
โข Pressure Cooker / Instant Pot โ Perfect for cooking rice dishes, lentils, and one-pot meals quickly while preserving flavor and texture.
โข High-Speed Blender โ Ideal for chutneys, spice pastes, and smooth gravies that form the base of many Indian recipes.
โข Stainless Steel Kadai โ A versatile pan for sautรฉing spices, simmering curries, and building deep layered flavors.
You can find all my everyday kitchen essentials on my Kitchen Resources page here โ
If Youโd Like to Go Deeper..
Many of the dishes on this page are built on quiet spice knowledge โ
the kind learned slowly, through observation, repetition, and care.
If youโd like a deeper understanding of Indian spices and everyday masalas โ
how to choose them, use them, and build confidence over time โ
you may enjoy the guide Iโve created alongside this kitchen.
๐๐ถ๐ The Bottom Line
This Mangalorean Prawn Curry is coastal comfort in its simplest formโ
sweet prawns, warming spices, tangy tamarind,
and the unmistakable aroma of curry leaves coming together in one nourishing bowl.
Looking for more gentle summer meals?
Explore my June Seasonal Produce Guide
for seasonal South Indian cooking inspiration ๐ฟ
๐ Meet the Heart Behind the Spice
Hi, I'm Maya. Welcome to my kitchen.
There's warmth in every story stirred into these recipes.
A Pediatric Dentist by profession and storyteller by soul,
I bring the rhythms of South Indian cooking
into my American kitchenโ
a blend of tradition, curiosity, and heart.
Whether you're here for a comforting breakfast,
a festive feast, or a family favorite, I hope these recipes
help you slow down, cook with confidence,
and create memories around your own table.
Thank you for letting me be a small part of your kitchen.
๐ฟ Cook with joy.
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