Prawn Ambot Tik Recipe

• 1 kg Large Prawns (shelled & deveined)
• 8-10 Red Chillies (dry)
• 6 Peppercorns
• 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
• 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
• 8 cloves Garlic
• 1-inch piece Ginger
• A lump Tamarind (golf ball-sized)
• 2 medium Onions (sliced thinly)
• 3 tbsp Vegetable/ Canola/ Sunflower Cooking Oil
• Salt (to taste)

• Soak tamarind in half a cup of hot water and keep it aside.
• Heat a flat pan on medium heat and roast the cumin seeds, peppercorns and dry red chillies.
• Stir often and roast till they darken and begin to release a faint aroma. Remove from heat and cool.
• Place a pan on medium flame and heat oil in it. Add onions and fry till they assume a slightly golden color.
• Remove the fried onions from heat and mix them with all the other ingredients (barring prawns and tamarind). Grind these ingredients in a processor, to make a smooth paste.
• Squeeze the tamarind, soaked in water, with your hand, so as to release softened pulp in water.
• Strain and set the juice aside.
• Now put the onion-spice paste in a pan, on medium heat and fry for a minute.
• Add 1½ cups warm water and the tamarind juice.
• Bring to boil and allow it to simmer for a few minutes.
• Add prawns and cook them properly. Season with salt.