South Indian Style
Shrimp Curry
This curry is an attempt to recreate one of the most memorable seafood dishes I have ever eaten. It came while on a brief visit to Kochi, the capital of the Indian state of Kerala, and the taste of the ultra fresh shrimp against a spicy sauce of coconut cream, tomatoes and spices is something that has stayed with me ever since. It is hard to try and successfully recreate a dish that you sample on your travels, but this one comes pretty darn close.
South Indian Style Shrimp Curry Recipe
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(Serves About 2-4)
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Ingredients​
24 Shrimp (15-21 Count – Peeled, Tail On)
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¼ Cup Canola Oil
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1 Teaspoon Fennel Seeds
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5 Black Pepper Corns
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3 Green Cardamom
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5 Curry Leaves (Optional)
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1 White Onion (Blended to a Puree)
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4 Cloves Garlic (Blended to a Puree)
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2 Inches Fresh Ginger (Blended to a Puree)
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4 Serrano Chili (Deseeded and Blended to a Puree)
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1 Teaspoon Ground Coriander
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1 Teaspoon Ground Cumin
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1 Teaspoon Ground Turmeric
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1 Teaspoon Ground Red Chili Powder
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Kosher Salt (To Taste
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Ground Black Pepper (To Taste)
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1 x 14.5-oz Can Chopped Tomatoes
- 1 x 14-oz Can Coconut Milk
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24 Shrimp (15-21 Count – Peeled, Tail On)
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½ Lime (Juice and Zest)
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¼ Cup Freshly Cilantro Leaf (Finely Chopped)
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Instructions
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Heat the canola oil to a medium heat in a large saucepan or wok.
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Add the fennel seeds, the peppercorns, the cardamom and the curry leaves to the oil.
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Once the seeds, etc. begin to pop, add the blended onion and cook on a medium heat for 2 minutes.
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Add the blended garlic, ginger and serrano chili and cook on a medium heat for 2 minutes.
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Add the ground spices, and salt and pepper. Combine well and cook on a medium heat from 2-3 minutes or until the spices lose their raw smell.
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Add the chopped tomatoes. Combine well and cook for 3-4 minutes.
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Add the coconut milk. Combine well and cook the sauce until it has reduced by half and thickened.
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Gently place the shrimp in the sauce and cook gently until the shrimp has begun to turn pink.
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Check seasoning and add salt, as needed.
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Sprinkle with lime juice and zest.
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Sprinkle with cilantro just before serving.
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Serve with steamed rice, pulao rice or Indian breads.
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