Chemmeen(Konju) Theeyal | Kerala Style Prawns(Shrimp) Curry

Prawns curry (Chemmeen Theeyal) is one of the best theeyals prepared by my mom along with another recipe which I posted long time back, ulli (shallots)theeyal.This recipe is also my mom's best preparation with prawns too.We as kids always devoured more rice that day whenever this dish was prepared.So,this is my favorite too till day with hot steaming rice.Theeyal always tastes best when it has all the flavors(spice,sour & salt) in a balanced form and its always a thick roasted coconut gravy with it.Though its lent time for us,but these are few of the non veg drafts that am posting.If you love the spicy,tangy flavors give this a shot,am sure you will fall in love with this dish !!!

Ingredients
large prawns( halved ) 20(refer notes)
shallots halved 15
coconut sliced 1/3 cup
green chillies 3-4
tamarind gooseberry size
salt
curry leaves few
oil 2 tbsp

to grind
coconut grated 1/2 cup
coriander powder 1 1/2 tsp
chilly powder 1 tsp
turmeric powder 1/2 tsp

Method
-Wash ,de vein & clean the prawns and drain the water.Keep aside.
-Heat a pan and fry the grated coconut till golden brown on low medium heat.Add the spice powders on low flame and put off flame.(See here for steps)Grind this in a mixer or blender until smooth.
-Soak the tamarind in 1/4 cup water.Squeeze out the pulp and keep aside.
-Heat oil in a pan ,fry the coconut pieces till lightly browned.Saute the shallots along with curry leaves till translucent.Add the green chillies.
-Add in the tiger prawns and saute for 1-2 minutes.Add in the ground mixture,salt.Cover & cook for 10 minutes.
-Add the tamarind pulp and adjust salt.Cover & cook again for 2-3 minutes till the oil starts to appear on the surface & the gravy thickens.
-Serve hot with steamed rice or even chapathis!!

Servings ~ 2-3 adults

NOTES
* The tiger prawns can be cut into  half and used.Otherwise if you are using the large ones,no need to cut these.
* The procedure of frying the coconut till golden brown is given here,check that out !!!

Check out other theeyal recipes if interested,
Pavakka /bitter gourd theeyal
Mushroom theeyal
Okra /vendakka theeyal