Chemmeen Oothappam / Prawn Oothappam

Ingredients

1. Prawns – 250 gm, cleaned

Turmeric powder – 1/4 tsp

Chilly powder – 3/4 tsp

Salt – To taste

2. Coconut oil – 1.5 tbsp

3. Onion – 1/2 cup, finely chopped

Ginger and garlic – 1 tsp, minced

Green chilly – 1, finely chopped

4. Turmeric powder – 1/4 tsp

Chilly powder – 3/4 tsp

Coriander powder – 3/4 tsp

Garam masala powder – 1/8 tsp

Pepper powder – 1/4 tsp

5. Tomato – 1 small, chopped

6. Salt – To taste

7. Cilantro – 2 tbsp, chopped

8. Dosa batter – 3 cups (We need a medium thick batter for oothappam)

Method

1. Marinate prawns with the remaining ingredients numbered 1. Set aside for 15 minutes. Heat 1 – 2 tsp oil in a pan. Add the prawns and cook for a few minutes until the excess moisture evaporates. Do not overcook.

2. In the same pan, heat 1 tbsp coconut oil and add chopped onion, little salt, ginger, garlic, green chilly and curry leaves. Saute until onion turns light brown. Add chopped tomatoes and cook for a minute. Bring down the flame. Next add turmeric powder, chilly powder, coriander powder and saute until their raw smell leaves. Add cooked prawns. Cook for 1 – 2 minutes. Add 1/4 tsp garam masala powder and pepper powder. Mix well and switch off. Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped cilantro and set aside.

3. Heat a tawa and grease it with little oil. Add a small ladle of batter and allow it to settle on its own. Do not spread the batter. If it is very thick, spread a little. Sprinkle chopped onion, green chilies and the prawn masala on top. Drizzle a little oil / ghee on top. Cook over medium-low heat until cooked on one side. Flip over to the other side and cook for a few minutes over low flame. Repeat with the remaining batter. Serve warm with coconut chutney.