Chemmeen Kakkathilaakkiyath

Chemmeen Masala with a new twist

Ingredients for Chemmeen Kakkathilaakkiyath:

1. Prawns – 250 g, cleaned
   Chilli powder – 1 small spoon
   Turmeric powder – ¼ small spoon
   Salt – As needed
2. Oil – As needed
3. Onion – 2
4. Green chilli – 2, crushed
   Ginger garlic paste – 1 small spoon
5. Coriander powder – 2 big spoons
   Chilli powder – 4 small spoons
   Turmeric powder – ½ small spoon
6. Tomato – 2, finely chopped
7. Garam masala powder – ¼ small spoon
   Coriander leaves – ½ cup, chopped

How to prepare Chemmeen Kakkathilaakkiyath?

1. Combine the first ingredients and let them sit for a while.
2. Then fry the marinated prawns slightly in oil and set aside to prevent overcooking. Never over-fry it.
3. In the same oil, add one onion sliced lengthwise, sauté until brown, and set aside.
4. Once slightly cooled, crush the sautéed onion in a mixer and set aside. Do not add water or grind it.
5. Combine the fourth set of ingredients and keep aside.
6. Mix the fifth ingredients with a little water to make a paste and set aside.
7. Heat oil in a pan and add the remaining finely chopped onion, and sauté.  
8. Add the crushed green chilli, ginger, and garlic mixture to this.
9. After sautéing well, add the chopped tomatoes. Sauté again until it is done.
10. Then add the powdered mixture of masalas, prepared earlier and stir.
11. Add 1 cup of water and salt to taste, and bring it to a good boil.
12. When it starts thickening, add the fried crushed onion and the prepared prawns, mix and cook.
13. Once the prawns are cooked well and the oil starts to separate, add coriander leaves and garam masala powder.
14. Mix the contents well, turn off the flame and serve.

Courtesy: Vanitha Magazine, May 24 – June 6, 2025

Also read a few more prawn recipes. Visit my page.