Share
South Indian cuisine is known for its various varieties of dishes that are made from different ingredients. Prawns, locally known as chemmeen or konju in parts of South India, are a staple in coastal regions like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. These versatile seafood items pair well with spices, coconut milk, and tamarind, resulting in a wide range of delicious prawn dishes.
Video Credits: House 2 Home/ YouTube
Whether you enjoy something spicy or prefer a milder flavour, South Indian cuisine offers something for every mood and preference. In this article, let’s dive into some delectable prawn dishes that will surely bring comfort to your dinner table.
Prawn Pollichathu
Prawn pollichathu is a traditional Kerala dish where prawns are marinated in a mix of spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and cooked until tender. The banana leaves add a smoky flavour, while the marinade enhances the taste of the prawns. The dish is mildly spiced, with coconut, tamarind, and curry leaves adding flavour. It’s perfect for a comforting dinner and is often served with rice or appams.
Konju Varutharaccha Curry
Konju varutharaccha curry is a classic prawn curry from Kerala. The term varutharacha refers to roasted coconut and spices, which are ground into a paste and form the base of this curry. The prawns are simmered in this rich, flavourful gravy made from roasted coconut, red chillies, and aromatic spices. This dish has a balanced taste of spice and coconut, making it a comforting meal, especially when served with steamed rice.
Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Royallu Mudda Kura
Royallu mudda kura is an Andhra-style prawn curry, known for its fiery and tangy flavours. In this dish, prawns are cooked with a paste of tomatoes, green chillies, and tamarind, giving it a distinct sour and spicy flavour. The use of tamarind provides the dish with a unique tanginess that perfectly complements the succulent prawns. This curry is usually enjoyed with steamed rice or soft rotis.
Prawns Pepper Fry
Prawns pepper fry is a popular dish from Tamil Nadu, loved for its bold and peppery taste. In this recipe, prawns are stir-fried with black pepper, curry leaves, and a mix of spices like cumin and coriander. The dish has a fiery kick from the pepper, while the curry leaves and spices add depth of flavour. Prawns pepper fry is usually served as a side dish or appetiser but can also be a comforting main dish alongside rice.
Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Mangalorean Prawn Curry
This Mangalorean-style prawn curry is a coconut-based curry that’s mildly spiced and full of comforting flavours. The prawns are cooked in a coconut milk gravy, flavoured with tamarind, ginger, and garlic, giving it a creamy and tangy taste. Mangalorean prawn curry is often served with nere dosa, a soft rice-based dosa, or plain rice, making it a wholesome and comforting meal.
Chettinad Prawn Masala
Chettinad prawn masala hails from the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu, which is famous for its spicy and aromatic dishes. This dish features prawns cooked in a spicy masala made with roasted spices, coconut, and curry leaves. The bold flavours of cinnamon, cloves, and star anise combine with red chillies to create a dish that’s rich in taste and perfect for spice lovers. This prawn masala pairs well with rice or parathas.
Image Credits: Freepik
Malabari Prawn
Malabari prawn curry is a Kerala-style dish that’s creamy, mildly spiced, and perfect for a comforting meal. Prawns are cooked in a rich coconut milk base, with spices like turmeric, green chillies, and curry leaves. The dish is known for its smooth texture and balanced flavours, making it a favourite in many households. It is best enjoyed with rice, appams, or idiyppam.
