KOLAMBI BHAAT/ PRAWNS MASALA RICE

Prawns Masala Rice or call it Kolambi Bhaat, a rice preparation from the west of India, which is similar to pulao where the spices are mixed in prawns & later rice is added & cooked in coconut milk to make it more flavourful.

Ingredients:

For the ground masala:

· Coriander leaves – handful

· Mint Leaves – handful

· Ginger – 1 inch

· Garlic pods – 6-7

· Green chillies – 3-4

· Red chillies – 4-5

· Anise seed – ½ tsp

· Cinnamon – I inch

· Cardamom - 2

· Water

For the marination:

· Prawns – 500 gms

· Lemon Juice – 1 tbsp

· Red chilli powder – 1 tsp

· Coriander powder – 1 tsp

· Turmeric powder – ½ tsp

· Ground Masala – 1 tbsp

· Salt

For the rice:

· Ghee – 1 tbsp

· Cinnamon sticks

· Cardamom pods – 3-4

· Cloves – 3-4

· Anise seeds – ½ tsp

· Onions - 2 medium sized (sliced)

· Tomatoes -2 (Sliced)

· Rice – 2 cups (soaked for 15 mins)

· Thin Coconut milk – 3 cups

· Water – 1 cup

Method:

· In a blender, grind together all the ingredients which are mentioned above for the ground masala and make it into a fine paste. Empty the ground masala into a bowl.

· Marinate the prawns with 1 tbsp of the ground masala, lemon juice, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder and salt. Mix it well and let it rest for 30 mins to 2 hours in the refrigerator.

· In a thick bottomed pot add ghee, cinnamon sticks, cardamom, cloves, anise seeds, thinly sliced onions and cook them until they turn golden brown.

· Add tomatoes and cover the pan with lid until the tomatoes are soft.

· Add the masala paste and mix it properly. Now add the marinated prawns.

· Add coconut milk and water, let it boil. Now add the soaked rice to the pan.

· Add some salt then cover it with the lid and cook on medium flame, until the rice is cooked properly.

· Kolambi Bhaat/ Prawn Masala Rice is ready to be served!