Prawn Moilee

A luxurious South Indian curry featuring succulent prawns in a creamy coconut sauce flavored with aromatic spices, curry leaves, and green chilies. This fragrant moilee combines the sweetness of coconut milk with the perfect balance of heat and spice.

4 servings
59 min

Ingredients

  • 6 whole green chillies
  • 55 ml vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp mustard seeds
  • 30 whole fresh curry leaves
  • 300 g Spanish white onions
  • 15 g garlic paste
  • 15 g ginger paste
  • 2 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • tsp ground turmeric
  • 25 g fresh root ginger
  • 400 ml coconut milk
  • 250 ml coconut cream
  • 24 whole large prawns
  • 300 g medium tomatoes
  • 4 wedges lemon
  • to serve

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Remove and discard the stalks from the chillies, then slice each one into 3 or 4 long strips. Set to one side.

    5 min

  2. 2.

    Place a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add 40ml of the oil, let it warm for a few seconds, then add the mustard seeds and 20 curry leaves. Let them crackle for a few seconds.

    3 min

  3. 3.

    Add the onions and sauté lightly for 12-14 minutes, until soft but not coloured.

    14 min

  4. 4.

    Add the garlic and ginger pastes, salt, black pepper and turmeric and sauté for 3 minutes, stirring regularly. Add the sliced chillies and ginger matchsticks and cook for 3 minutes.

    6 min

  5. 5.

    Pour in the coconut milk and cream and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    20 min

  6. 6.

    While the curry is simmering, place a small frying pan over a medium-high heat and add the remaining 1 tbsp oil. Toss in the rest of the curry leaves and fry for 1 minute, until crisp. Drain on kitchen paper and set aside.

    3 min

  7. 7.

    Add the prawns and tomatoes to the sauce and simmer gently for a further 5-6 minutes, until the prawns are cooked; do not overcook or they will be tough.

    6 min

  8. 8.

    Serve scattered with the fried curry leaves, with lemon wedges on the side.

    2 min