Kumbalanga Chemmeen Curry / Ash Gourd - Prawns Curry

Ingredients:

2 cups kumbalanga/ ash gourd, chopped

300-400 gm prawns, cleaned

6-7 shallots

2 tsp chilli powder

3/4 tsp turmeric powder

1 cup grated coconut

2 green chillies

small piece ginger, crushed or finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, crushed

1/2 tsp cumin seeds

1 tsp mustard seeds

2 dry red chillies

2 sprig curry leaves

salt to taste

1 tbsp oil

Preparation:

1. Peel and chop ash gourd / kumbalanga into small cubes.
2. Grind grated coconut, cumin seeds, 4 shallots, green 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 ash gourd, chilli powder, 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, crushed ginger, garlic and salt and mix well.
4. Add 1-1 1/2 cup of water to this and bring to boil and cook it covered for about 10 minutes or till its done.
5. Then add the ground coconut paste , mix well and bring to a boil. Then reduce the flame to medium and boil for another 3-4 minutes. Adjust the salt and switch off the flame.
6. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a small pan and splutter mustard seeds. Add 2-3 sliced shallots, dry red chillies and curry leaves and fry for a minute.
7. Pour this over the curry and keep it covered till ready to serve....Mix well and serve hot with rice/ pathiri etc..

• Adjust the spice level according to your taste...