Prawn Balchao

Goan Prawn Balchao
Ingredients for a generous 4 helpings:

Make a paste of the following:

1 pod of garlic, peeled.
3 "fresh ginger, cleaned and grated
15 whole dried red chillies
4" dalchini / cinnamon
15 green elaichi/ cardomom
15 lavang / cloves
1 tsp whole black peppercorns
1 tsp jeera/ cumin seeds
1/2 cup malt vinegar.

1 kg prawns, shell, devein and wash well.
Vegetable Oil
1 cup onions, chopped
1 cup tomatoes chopped
1 sprig of fresh curry leaves (or a tbsp dried leaves)
2 tsp sugar
Salt

Heat oil and deep fry the prawns for a few minutes...not more than 3 -4 minutes, till they change colour. Take out and set aside.
Remove some of the oil and leaving about three tbsps fry the onions until well browned.
Now add the chopped tomatoes and stir well till softened. Add the paste and saute till the oil seperates from the paste.It gets a light shine.
Return the prawns to the kadhai,/pan add curry leaves and sugar, stirring well. Now add salt to taste.
Serve with steamed rice . This tastes delicious with chapathi or any crusty bread as well.