Prawns and Okra in coconut curry (Caldeen/ Caldine curry)

Prawns are a favorite at home. My husband, son and I are crazy about prawns. The bigger the better!

I have always found it difficult to buy fish in Mumbai. Either my MIL or my mother would buy fish for me. We are not particularly fond of fish but prawns are a different story altogether. The whole idea of going to the fish market is not a happy prospect. I'll spare the details of why that might be, as I might ruin the dish or your appetite. I have never considered buying fish at the super-market as my mum always believed that fish from a super mart is not as fresh as one would get in a fish market where the fish mongers get fresh produce from the Sassoon docks. "Who knows how long they have been lying there on the bed of ice!" she'd say. So the thought of buying fish or meat from a super market never really crept into my head.

But it's quite different here. I have no idea where to buy fresh fish and meats from. So super market it is. Today's recipe is the easiest thing to cook after steamed rice.The flavors are simple yet delightful.There are no complicated spices and no fancy frills. A simple dish cooked simply. If you are a novice at cooking this recipe is an absolute must try. And if you are a seasoned cook you must try this recipe on a day you don't want to cook a long drawn and complicated meal. And if your somewhere in between, well what can I say except "try it to see how good it is."

Ingredients

1. Prawns - 10 nos
2. Okra (long) - 5 nos
3. Onion (medium) - 1 no
4. Green chilly - 1 no
5. Vinegar - 1/2 tbsp
6. Coconut milk - 150 ml
7. Water - 150 ml
8. Oil - as required
9. Salt - to taste

Spice mix

1. Cumin powder - 1/2 tsp
2. Pepper powder - 1/2 tsp
3. Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp

Method

1. Clean and wash the prawns. Add 1/2 tsp salt and set aside. Wash and pat dry okra, cut into two inch pieces. Finely chop onions.
2. In a pan, pour oil and shallow fry prawns for one minutes on each side. 
3. Add the onions, mix well and let it fry in the pan for a minute, add the diced okra, after which add all the spice mix. Add the vinegar.
4. Mix well and let the whole mix fry for a minute or two. Add half the water and lower the flame. Add the slit green chilly.
5. Okra will take about 7-8 minutes to cook. Check to see if you need to add water so the food is not burnt.
6. Lastly add the coconut milk. Once it comes to a boil, check for salt, pepper and consistency. Put of the gas flame and serve hot.

This dish goes very well with steamed rice. Enjoy!