Maldivian prawn curry with flatbreads Recipe

Maldivian prawn curry with flatbreads Recipe

  • 3 small onions, finely chopped
  • 20g/¾oz grated fresh root ginger
  • 12 curry leaves
  • 3 tbsp grated fresh coconut
  • 5 tbsp coriander seeds
  • 2 tbsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp black peppercorns
  • 8 tbsp tamarind pulp
  • 1litre/1¾ pints vegetable stock
  • 1 tbsp garam masala
  • 1 tbsp chilli powder
  • 1 tbsp curry powder
  • 3 dates, chopped
  • 200ml/7fl oz coconut milk
  • 75g/2¾oz unsalted butter
  • 600g/1lb 5oz tiger prawns, heads and shell removed, tails on and cleaned
  • 200g/7oz plain flour
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp melted ghee
  • 2 tbsp red amaranth cress (available online), optional
  • 2 tbsp coriander cress
  1. First make the spice paste. Put the ingredients and a little water in a blender. Blend, adding more water if needed, until a smooth paste is formed.
  2. For the tamarind stock, place all of the ingredients in a large pan and simmer for 20-30 minutes.Seive to remove any tamarind pieces.
  3. Heat a wok and add the spice paste. Once hot, add 200ml/7fl oz tamarind stock, the dates and coconut milk and cook for 4-6 minutes.
  4. Heat the butter in a frying pan and cook the prawns on each side for 1-2 minutes. Stir the cooked prawns into the curry sauce and cook for a further 1-2 minutes.
  5. For the flatbread, place the flour in a medium bowl, add the salt and stir. Add enough water until the flour mix comes to a dough. Knead until smooth and divide into 4 pieces.
  6. Roll out each piece into a circle and place on a hot griddle pan one at a time. Turn the bread over once charred marks have appeared and brush with the melted ghee.
  7. Place the curry in a shallow serving bowl and garnish with the red amaranth and coriander cress. Place the bread in a separate bowl and serve.