Prawn Ambot Tik Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 kg Large Prawns (shelled & deveined)

• 8-10 Red Chillies (dry)

• 6 Peppercorns

• 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder

• 1 tsp Cumin Seeds

• 8 cloves Garlic

• 1-inch piece Ginger

• A lump Tamarind (golf ball-sized)

• 2 medium Onions (sliced thinly)

• 3 tbsp Vegetable/ Canola/ Sunflower Cooking Oil

• Salt (to taste)

How to make Prawn Ambot Tik:

•    Soak tamarind in half a cup of hot water and keep it aside.
•    Heat a flat pan on medium heat and roast the cumin seeds, peppercorns and dry red chillies.
•    Stir often and roast till they darken and begin to release a faint aroma. Remove from heat and cool.
•    Place a pan on medium flame and heat oil in it. Add onions and fry till they assume a slightly golden color.
•    Remove the fried onions from heat and mix them with all the other ingredients (barring prawns and tamarind). Grind these ingredients in a processor, to make a smooth paste.
•    Squeeze the tamarind, soaked in water, with your hand, so as to release softened pulp in water.
•    Strain and set the juice aside.
•    Now put the onion-spice paste in a pan, on medium heat and fry for a minute.
•    Add 1½ cups warm water and the tamarind juice.
•    Bring to boil and allow it to simmer for a few minutes.
•    Add prawns and cook them properly. Season with salt.