Kudampulli Chemmeen Curry / Gambooge Prawn Curry

Kudampulli chemmeen curry / Gambooge Prawn Curry

Ingredients

1. Prawns - 250 g
2. Garlic - 2 tbsp (sliced)
3. Ginger - 1 tbsp (sliced)
4. Shallots - 8 (sliced)
5. Curry leaves - 3 sprigs
6. Kudampuli / Gamboge - 2 small pieces (cleaned and soaked in water)
7. Mustard seeds - 1 tsp
8. Fenugreek seeds -  1/4 tsp
9. Dry red chillies - 2 (broken into pieces)
10. Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
11. Chilli powder - 1 tbsp
12. Kashmiri chilli powder - 2 tbsp
13. Coconut oil - 2 tbsp + 1 tbsp
14. Salt - to taste
15. Water - as required 

Method

1. Wash and clean the prawns well. Set them aside.

2. Heat a clay pot or pan and add 2 tbsp of coconut oil. Add the mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then add the fenugreek seeds.

3. Add 2 sprigs of curry leaves, the dry red chillies, sliced ginger, and garlic. Sauté well. Once the ginger and garlic begin to soften, add the sliced shallots.

4. Sauté until the shallots turn light brown. Lower the flame and add the turmeric powder, chilli powder, and Kashmiri chilli powder. Mix well and sauté for a few seconds. If the masala looks too dry, sprinkle in a little water to prevent the spices from burning.

5. Once the raw smell of the spices disappears, add water, the soaked kudampuli and salt. Mix well and bring the curry to a boil.

6. Add the cleaned prawns and gently mix them into the gravy. Cover and cook on medium-low heat. Open the lid occasionally and give it a gentle stir.

7. After about 10 minutes, open the lid and continue cooking until the gravy reaches your preferred consistency. If you like a little more gravy, add some hot water and cook for a few more minutes.

8. Finally, add 1 tbsp of coconut oil and the remaining 1 sprig of curry leaves. Turn off the flame, cover the pot, and let the curry rest for a few minutes.

9. Now comes the best part! Open the lid after a few minutes and enjoy the wonderful aroma of kudampuli, spices, prawns, and coconut oil.

This sour, spicy, aromatic, and deeply flavourful Kudampuli Chemmeen Curry is pure magic. Serve it hot with steamed rice, puttu or your favourite Kerala style side dishes!