Prawn Pollichathu is a delicious and flavorful Kerala-style dish where marinated prawns are wrapped in banana leaves and grilled or pan-fried to perfection. The banana leaves impart a unique aroma and taste to the dish. Here's a recipe for Prawn Pollichathu
How to prepare.
Prawn Pollichathu recipe
Ingredients:
- >> 500g medium-sized prawns, cleaned and deveined
- >> 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- >> 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- >> 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- >> Salt to taste
- >> 2 tablespoons coconut oil (or any cooking oil of your choice)
- >> 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- >> 1 large tomato, thinly sliced
- >> 1 sprig curry leaves
- >> 1-inch ginger, julienned
- >> 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- >> 2-3 green chilies, slit lengthwise (adjust based on spice preference)
- >> 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- >> 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- >> 2-3 banana leaves (cut into 6-8 inch squares and wilted over low flame to make them pliable)
Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the cleaned prawns with turmeric powder, red chili powder, lemon juice, and salt. Mix well, ensuring the prawns are evenly coated with the marinade. Let them marinate for about 15-20 minutes.
2. While the prawns are marinating, prepare the other ingredients.
3. In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of coconut oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
4. Add the thinly sliced tomatoes and curry leaves to the pan. Cook until the tomatoes become soft and the mixture forms a thick gravy.
5. Add the julienned ginger, minced garlic, and slit green chilies. Continue to sauté for a few more minutes until the raw smell disappears.
6. Sprinkle ground black pepper and garam masala over the mixture. Mix well and adjust salt and spice levels as needed. The masala should be rich and flavorful.
7. Now, take each wilted banana leaf and place a portion of the marinated prawns on one side of the leaf.
8. Spoon a generous amount of the prepared masala over the prawns, covering them entirely.
9. Fold the banana leaf over the prawns to create a neat parcel or packet. You can secure it with a toothpick if needed.
10. Repeat the process with the remaining prawns and masala.
11. In a large pan or tawa, add the remaining tablespoon of coconut oil. Heat the oil over medium heat.
12. Carefully place the banana leaf parcels on the pan and cook them for about 5-6 minutes on each side until the prawns are cooked through and the banana leaves get slightly charred.
13. Alternatively, you can also grill the banana leaf parcels over a barbecue or in an oven for a smoky flavor.
14. Once done, remove the Prawn Pollichathu parcels from the pan and serve hot.
Prawn Pollichathu pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, appam (rice pancakes), or even plain bread. Enjoy the flavors of Kerala with this delectable seafood delicacy!
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