A lemon sized ball of tamarind soaked in ½ cup water
1cupgrated coconut
1tablespoonginger paste
1tablespoongarlic paste
¼teaspoonfennel seeds
1teaspoonground turmeric
3teaspoonground coriander
1teaspoongaram masala
½teaspoonground black pepper
½teaspoonchilli powder
A pinch of asafoetida
3-4curry leaves
Salt
Water
Tempered Spices:
3shallotsfinely chopped
½teaspoonmustard seeds
½teaspoonfenugreek seeds
3dried red chilliesbroken into small pieces
1sprig of curry leaves
Instructions
Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Splutter fennel seeds. Reduce heat to low. Add grated coconut, and fry, stirring continuously, until it starts to change color. Add 3-4 curry leaves, 1 tablespoon ginger paste, 1 tablespoon garlic paste, ½ teaspoon ground turmeric, ground coriander, garam masala, ground black pepper, and chilli powder. Fry, stirring constantly, for 3-4 minutes. Set aside to cool.Once cooled, grind it into a smooth paste. Add a little amount of water, if necessary.
Meanwhile, place prawns, drumsticks, onions, green chillies, ½ teaspoon ground turmeric, tamarind water (discard the hard bits) and salt in another pan. Add enough water to cook prawns, and place it over medium-high heat. When cooked, add tomatoes, and simmer for another 2-3 minutes. Add the ground paste, and mix well. If the sauce is very thick, add more water. Sprinkle asafoetida on top. Simmer for 4-5 minutes.
For tempering, heat oil in a pan over low heat. Splutter mustard seeds and fenugreek seeds. Add dried red chillies, shallots, and curry leaves. Saute, stirring occasionally, for a minute. Remove from flame, and add it to the prawn curry. Stir well. Serve warm with rice or roti.
Notes
If you want, you can also add fried coconut slices to the recipe.