Hirva Masala Prawns is a delicious Maharashtrian dish where prawns are cooked with a vibrant green masala made from cilantro (coriander leaves), green chilies, and other aromatic spices. Here’s a recipe to make Hirva Masala Prawns:
Ingredients:
- 500 grams (about 1 pound) large prawns, cleaned and deveined
- 1 cup fresh cilantro (coriander) leaves, washed and chopped
- 2-3 green chilies, chopped (adjust according to spice preference)
- 4-5 cloves of garlic
- 1-inch piece of ginger, chopped
- 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
- 1 tomato, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil
- Fresh lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare the Green Masala:
- In a blender or food processor, combine chopped cilantro leaves, green chilies, garlic, and ginger. Blend into a smooth paste. Set aside.
- Marinate the Prawns:
- In a bowl, marinate the cleaned prawns with turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Set aside for about 15-20 minutes.
- Cooking:
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add cumin seeds and let them crackle.
- Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and mushy.
- Add the prepared green masala paste and cook for a few minutes until the raw smell disappears and the oil starts to separate from the masala.
- Now add the marinated prawns to the pan and mix well with the masala.
- Cook the prawns for about 5-7 minutes or until they are cooked through. Be careful not to overcook them as prawns can become rubbery if cooked for too long.
- Sprinkle coriander powder and adjust salt if necessary. Mix well.
- Serve:
- Once the prawns are cooked, remove the pan from the heat.
- Serve the hirva masala prawns hot with steamed rice or roti (Indian flatbread).
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve with lemon wedges on the side for extra freshness.
Enjoy the flavorful and aromatic Hirva Masala Prawns as a main course dish in your meal!
