Prawn Korma
A creamy, fragrant prawn curry from Kerala, made with a rich coconut milk base and gentle spices. This mild yet flavorful dish is perfect with appam or steamed rice for a comforting meal.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Korma Paste
- b.Drain the soaked cashew nuts.
- c.In a blender or grinder jar, combine the freshly grated coconut, drained cashews, fennel seeds, and green cardamom pods.
- d.Add 2-3 tablespoons of water and grind to a very smooth, fine paste. Set this paste aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Onions
- b.Heat the coconut oil in a wide pan or kadai over medium heat.
- c.Once the oil is hot, add the cinnamon stick and cloves. Sauté for about 30 seconds until they release their aroma.
- d.Add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring frequently, for 8-10 minutes until the onions are soft, translucent, and light golden brown.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Masala and Prawns
- b.Add the ginger-garlic paste, slit green chillies, and curry leaves to the pan. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
- c.Reduce the heat to low. Add the turmeric powder and coriander powder. Stir continuously for 30 seconds to prevent burning.
- d.Add the cleaned prawns and salt to taste. Mix well to coat the prawns with the masala and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until they turn pink and begin to curl. Do not overcook.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Simmer the Korma
- b.Add the ground coconut-cashew paste to the pan. Sauté for 2 minutes, stirring gently, until it's fragrant.
- c.Pour in the thin coconut milk, stir everything together, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- d.Cover the pan and cook on low heat for 5-7 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the gravy to thicken slightly.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Reduce the heat to the absolute lowest setting. Stir in the thick coconut milk and the fresh lemon juice.
- c.Gently heat the curry for 1-2 minutes. It is crucial not to let it boil, as the thick coconut milk can split.
- d.Turn off the heat. Let the korma rest for at least 5 minutes for the flavors to settle. Garnish with a few fresh curry leaves if desired and serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Do not overcook the prawns, or they will become tough and rubbery. They cook in just a few minutes.
- 2Never boil the korma after adding the thick coconut milk, as it can split and ruin the texture of the gravy.
- 3For a richer flavor, you can marinate the prawns with a pinch of turmeric and salt for 15 minutes before cooking.
- 4Using freshly extracted coconut milk provides the most authentic and delicious flavor, but good quality canned milk is a convenient alternative.
- 5Sautéing the onions until they are properly golden brown is crucial for the sweet, aromatic base of the korma.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace prawns with a mix of vegetables like potatoes, carrots, peas, and green beans. Add the harder vegetables first and the softer ones later.
Chicken KormaChicken Korma
Use 400g of boneless, skinless chicken pieces instead of prawns. Cook the chicken for 10-12 minutes in step 3 before proceeding.
Fish KormaFish Korma
Substitute prawns with firm white fish fillets like kingfish or pomfret. Add the fish pieces in step 4 and simmer gently until cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Add 1/2 teaspoon of red chilli powder along with the other spice powders for a bit of heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lean Protein
Prawns are an excellent source of high-quality, low-fat protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle maintenance, and supporting immune function.
Source of Healthy Fats
Coconut milk provides Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCTs), a type of fat that is more easily digested and converted into energy by the body compared to other saturated fats.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
The recipe includes spices like turmeric, ginger, and cloves, which are known for their potent anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce inflammation and support overall health.
Rich in Selenium
Prawns are a great source of selenium, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and plays a crucial role in thyroid health and immune system function.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of this Prawn Korma contains approximately 315-330 calories, depending on the exact size of the prawns and the fat content of the coconut milk used.