Chemmeen Pollichathu is a delicious recipe in which prawns is slowly cooked in a tangy and spicy coconut sauce wrapped in banana leaf.The uniqueness of this recipe is due to the distinct aroma infused by banana leaf that is used to cover the fish or the prawns masala. I have used kodum puli as a souring agent. We can also use tomatoes or tamarind. In some regions tender tamarind leaves is used instead. If you are lucky to get tender tamarind leaves try it with this recipe. it tastes even better.Give this recipe a try, you will surely enjoy :)
Ingredients
Prawns- 1 lb
Crushed shallots- 1 cup
Ginger- 2 inch thick
Garlic- 6-7
Green chilly- 2
Kudampuli/ Gambooge- 2peice
( or use Kokum or Tamarind)
Thick coconut milk-1/3 cup
Chilly powder- 1 tsp
Turmeric powder-1/3 tsp
Coriander powder-1 tsp
pepper powder- 1/3 tsp
Garam masala- 1/2 tsp
Fennel powder-1/2 tsp
Curry leaves
Coconut oil- 2 tsp
Heat oil in a pan and add minced garlic,ginger and green chilly and fry for a minute followed by shallot /onion and fry till golden brown. Add turmeric powder followed by kukum, salt,coriander powder, chilly powder and garam masala. Add prawns and fry for a minute till it changes color. Now add the coconut milk and simmer till the masala is reduced. Keep this aside.
Take banana leaf and gently place on the gas stove flame turning each side quickly till it changes color. Place this leaf on a plate and layer the prawns masala. Fold in from all side wrap the leaf and tie it. (Have a look here ) . Heat a manchatti ( earthen ware) with lid or a tawa. Grease it with a little oil and place the wrap in and cover and cook for 2-3 minutes turning sides in between. Serve with rice or pathiri.
Try this...
Hope you will all enjoy.
