Prawns Pulao/ Kolambi Bhaat

Prawns pulao aka 'Kolambi Bhaat' is a Konkan (west coast region of Maharashtra) delicacy. Rice is a staple ingredient of many Indian regions and every culture/community has their unique way of cooking it based on the seasonal ingredients found around them. For folks living by the coastal region, seafood is also a a staple ingredient...so here's a recipe of my favorite comfort food made with prawns and spices..

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Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients (serves 4-5)

1 lb shrimp peeled & deveined (*use small prawns as they tend to absorb the spices better)

1/2 cup chopped onions

3/4 cup chopped tomatoes

1 1/2 tbsp ginger paste

1 1/2 tbsp garlic paste

1 tbsp green chilly paste

2 tsp chilli powder

2 tsp garam masala

1 tsp coriander powder

1/2 tsp turmeric

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

2 tbsp ghee

2 cups basmati rice

4 1/2 cups lukewarm water

2 tbsp grated coconut for garnishing (optional)

1/4 cup chopped cilantro for garnishing (optional)

Salt to taste

How to make?

Step 1:

In a heavy bottom pan, heat 1 tbsp ghee. Add chopped onions and sauté well till the onions are cooked.

Step 2:

Add chopped tomatoes, mix and sauté well till the tomatoes are soft and cooked. Add ginger, garlic, and chilly paste. Sauté till the ginger - garlic loses its raw aroma.

Step 3:

Add shrimps and mix well. Cover the pan and let the shrimps cook for approximately 5-7 minutes. Sauté occasionally. In the meantime, wash and clean the rice. Set aside.

Step 4:

Once the shrimps are cooked, add the dry ingredients: garam masala, corinander powder, chilli powder, turmeric, chopped cilantro, and salt. Mix well.

Step 5:

Add rice, followed by lukewarm water. Using a spatula or form, lightly fluff the rice and gently stir into the prawns mix. Cover the pan and let it cook for 10-12 minutes. Stir the rice gently and occasionally to ensure it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan.

Step 6:

Turn off the heat and cover to rest for a few minutes.

Serve warm garnished with a drizzle of ghee, roughly chopped coriander, and grated coconut!