Sindhi Prawn Curry
A delightful and tangy prawn curry from Sindhi cuisine, featuring juicy prawns in a flavorful tomato-onion gravy thickened with chickpea flour. A perfect weeknight meal served with hot steamed rice.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate the Prawns
- b.In a bowl, combine the cleaned prawns with 1/4 tsp of turmeric powder and 1/4 tsp of salt.
- c.Mix well to coat the prawns evenly and set aside for 15 minutes while you prepare the curry base.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Roast Besan
- b.Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat. Once hot, add the cumin seeds and let them splutter for about 30 seconds.
- c.Add the finely chopped onions and sauté for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and light golden brown.
- d.Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies. Cook for another minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- e.Lower the heat and add the besan (chickpea flour). Roast for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously, until it darkens slightly and releases a nutty fragrance. Do not let it burn.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Build the Curry Gravy
- b.Add the tomato puree, remaining 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Mix well.
- c.Cook the masala mixture for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens and you see oil separating from the sides.
- d.In a small bowl, mix the tamarind paste with 1/4 cup of warm water to dissolve it completely. Pour this tamarind water into the pan.
- e.Add the remaining 1.75 cups of water and 1 tsp of salt. Stir well to combine.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Simmer and Cook Prawns
- b.Bring the gravy to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- c.Gently slide the marinated prawns into the simmering gravy.
- d.Cook for 3-4 minutes, uncovered. The prawns are done when they turn opaque, pink, and curl into a 'C' shape. Avoid overcooking to keep them tender.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Turn off the heat. Stir in the garam masala powder.
- c.Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- d.Let the curry rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve hot with steamed basmati rice or roti.
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. They cook in minutes and will become tough and rubbery if cooked for too long.
- 2Roasting the besan on low heat is crucial. It removes the raw taste and gives the curry its characteristic nutty aroma and thickness.
- 3For a richer flavor, use ripe, red tomatoes to make a fresh puree at home instead of using store-bought.
- 4If you don't have tamarind paste, you can substitute with 1 tbsp of lemon juice or 1/2 tbsp of amchur (dry mango powder), added at the end.
- 5Sift the besan before adding it to the pan to ensure a smooth, lump-free gravy.
Adapt it for your goals.
Creamier Version
For a richer, creamier curry, replace 1 cup of water with 1 cup of full-fat coconut milk. Add it at the very end with the prawns and simmer gently without bringing it to a rolling boil.
Vegetarian AlternativeVegetarian Alternative
To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the prawns with 250g of paneer cubes or a mix of vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and peas. Add the vegetables after cooking the masala and simmer until tender before finishing the curry.
With FishWith Fish
This gravy base works wonderfully with firm white fish fillets like cod, tilapia, or kingfish. Cut the fish into 2-inch pieces and add them to the gravy, cooking for 5-6 minutes until flaky.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lean Protein
Prawns are a fantastic source of high-quality, low-fat protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and maintaining a healthy metabolism.
Heart-Healthy Omega-3s
This dish provides beneficial omega-3 fatty acids from the prawns, known to support cardiovascular health by reducing inflammation, lowering blood pressure, and improving cholesterol levels.
Boosts Immunity
The curry is rich in spices like turmeric (curcumin), ginger, and garlic, which contain powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that help strengthen the immune system.
Source of Antioxidants
Tomatoes are a key ingredient, providing lycopene, a potent antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of Sindhi Prawn Curry (approximately 375g) contains an estimated 300-350 calories. The exact count can vary based on the amount of oil used and the size of the prawns.