Chemmeen - Peechinga Curry / Prawns - Ridge Gourd Curry

Ingredients:

1 big peechinga/ ridge gourd/ tharavirikka

300-400 gm prawns, cleaned

1 tbsp chilli powder

1 tsp turmeric powder

3/4 cup grated coconut

4-5 green chillies

1 tbsp ginger, finely chopped

1 tsp cumin seeds

1 tsp mustard seeds

5 dry red chillies

2 sprig curry leaves

3-4 shallots, sliced

salt to taste

1 tbsp oil

Preparation:

1. Peel and chop ridge gourd into small pieces.
2. Grind grated coconut, cumin seeds, 2 dry red chillies and 1/2 tsp turmeric powder together to a smooth paste adding little water and keep it aside.
3. In a pan/ manchatty, add the cleaned prawns, chopped ridge gourd, chilli powder, turmeric powder, green chillies , ginger and salt and mix well. 
4. Add 1-1 1/2 cup of water to this and cook it covered for about 10 minutes or till the prawns and ridge gourd is cooked and soft.
5. Then add the ground coconut paste and bring to a boil. Then reduce the flame to medium and boil for another 3-4 minutes. Switch off the flame.
6. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a small pan and splutter mustard seeds. Add sliced shallots, 2-3 dry red chillies and curry leaves and fry till the shallots turn golden brown.
7. Pour this over the curry and keep it covered till ready to serve....Mix well and serve hot with rice/ pathiri etc..