Malvani Prawns Masala

Ingredients:

• 2 cups medium prawns, de-veined
• 1 cup grated coconut
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1/2 onion, diced
  
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 4 cloves
• 2 green cardamom (Elaichi)
• ½ tsp cumin seeds (Jeera)
• ¼ tsp Black cumin seeds (Shahjira)
• 1 tsp coriander seeds
• ½ tsp Saunf
• 7-8 Black peppercorns
• 12 garlic flakes
• 1" Ginger
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• a pinch of sugar
• 1 cup coconut milk (optional)
  
• ¼ cup tamarind juice (extract after adding warm water)
• Salt to taste

Preparation:

1. Clean the prawns. Apply a little salt & turmeric and keep aside.
2. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a kadhai. Add the sliced onion and fry till it turns light brown. Keep aside.
3. In the same oil, fry the coconut. When it turns light brown, keep aside.
4. Now roast all the spices in the same oil.
5. Grind the roasted spices, along with the browned coconut, onion and tamarind pulp. Make a fine paste (masala paste).
6. Heat 1tbsp oil. Add a pinch of sugar. Now add diced onion. Stir fry till the onion turns red.
7. Add the masala paste and fry for a minute.
   
8. Add the marinated prawns and 1 cup of water.
   
9. Cook for 3-4 minutes or till the prawns are cooked.
   
10. Stir in coconut milk. Add salt to taste. Stir for a minute and turn off the gas.
11. Garnish with cilantro/coriander leaves.
12. Serve with rice.