Prawns Ghee Roast
A fiery, tangy, and aromatic Mangalorean delicacy. Juicy prawns are cooked in a special blend of roasted spices and a generous amount of clarified butter, creating a rich, semi-dry curry that's simply irresistible.
For 4 servings
Prepare the Ghee Roast Masala Paste
- Heat a small pan over low-medium heat. Add the dried red chillies, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, fenugreek seeds, and black peppercorns.
- Dry roast for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously, until the spices are fragrant and slightly darker. Do not let them burn.
- Remove the spices from the pan and allow them to cool completely.
- Transfer the cooled spices to a blender or grinder jar. Add the garlic cloves, ginger, tamarind paste, 1/2 tsp of the turmeric powder, and 3 tbsp of water.
- Grind to a smooth, thick paste. Set aside.
Marinate the Prawns
- In a medium bowl, combine the cleaned and deveined prawns with curd, lemon juice, the remaining 1/4 tsp of turmeric powder, and 1/2 tsp of salt.
- Mix well until the prawns are evenly coated.
- Cover and let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes in the refrigerator.
Cook the Prawns Ghee Roast
- Heat ghee in a wide, heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
- Add the curry leaves and sauté for another 30 seconds until they turn crisp.
- Add the prepared ghee roast masala paste to the pan. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently. The masala is cooked when it darkens in color, the raw smell disappears, and you see ghee separating from the sides.
- Add the marinated prawns to the pan. Increase the heat to medium and mix gently to coat them with the masala.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the prawns curl up, turn pink, and are cooked through. Avoid overcooking as they will become tough.
- Stir in the jaggery powder and the remaining 1/2 tsp of salt. Mix well and cook for one more minute.
Serve
- Turn off the heat and let the dish rest for 10 minutes for the flavors to meld.
- Serve hot with traditional accompaniments like neer dosa, appam, or steamed rice.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For authentic color and moderate heat, use a mix of Byadgi (for color) and Guntur (for heat) red chillies.
- 2The key to a perfect ghee roast is patiently roasting the masala paste in ghee on low heat until it releases its aroma and fat.
- 3Do not overcook the prawns. They cook very quickly and will become tough and rubbery if left on the heat for too long.
- 4This dish is meant to be semi-dry, so use water sparingly only while grinding the masala.
- 5Let the finished dish rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to deepen and meld together.
- 6Using fresh, high-quality prawns will significantly enhance the taste of the dish.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace prawns with 400g of paneer cubes, mushrooms, or boiled baby potatoes. Sauté them separately until golden before adding to the masala.
PoultryPoultry
Use 500g of boneless, bite-sized chicken pieces instead of prawns. This is a classic variation known as Chicken Ghee Roast. Increase the cooking time for the chicken until it is fully cooked.
SpicinessSpiciness
Adjust the number of Guntur or other hot red chillies to increase or decrease the spice level according to your preference.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
Prawns are an excellent source of high-quality, lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle growth, and overall body function.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
The recipe is packed with spices like turmeric, ginger, and garlic. These contain powerful compounds like curcumin, gingerol, and allicin, which are known for their potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Source of Healthy Fats
Ghee (clarified butter) is a source of fat-soluble vitamins like A, E, and D. It also contains butyric acid, a short-chain fatty acid that can support gut health.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Prawns Ghee Roast contains approximately 275-300 calories. The exact count can vary based on the size of the prawns and the amount of ghee used.