Among the many gems of Bangladeshi and Bengali cuisine, Chingri Malai Curry stands out as a truly regal dish. Made with large prawns (usually giant tiger prawns) simmered in creamy coconut milk and fragrant spices, this curry is rich, aromatic, and perfect for special occasions. In todayâs blog, letâs walk through how you can easily prepare this classic dish in your own kitchen.
đ Ingredients:
Ingredient
Quantity
Large Tiger Prawns
6â8 pieces
Coconut Milk
1 cup
Onion Paste
ÂŊ cup
Garlic Paste
1 tsp
Ginger Paste
1 tsp
Red Chili Powder
ÂŊ tsp
Turmeric Powder
ÂŊ tsp
Cumin Powder
ÂŊ tsp
Garam Masala Powder
ÂŊ tsp
Salt
To taste
Sugar (optional)
ÂŊ tsp
Bay Leaves
2
Cinnamon Stick
1 small piece
Green Cardamom
2 pods
Cloves
2
Mustard Oil or Regular Oil
ÂŊ cup
đ¨âđŗ Cooking Instructions:
đš Step 1: Prepare the Prawns
Clean the prawns thoroughly and devein them.
You can keep the head shells intact for flavor and presentation.
Marinate with a pinch of turmeric and salt for 10 minutes.
đš Step 2: Lightly Fry the Prawns
Heat some oil in a pan and lightly fry the prawns for 1â2 minutes per side.
Be careful not to overcookâtheyâll cook further in the gravy.
đš Step 3: Make the Masala Base
In the same pan, add bay leaves, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves.
Add onion paste and sautÊ until it turns golden brown.
Now add garlic and ginger paste, turmeric, red chili powder, cumin powder, and a little sugar. Cook until oil separates from the masala.
Let it simmer gently for a few minutes so the flavors blend.
đš Step 5: Finish Cooking with Prawns
Add the fried prawns into the coconut gravy.
Cover and cook on low heat for 7â10 minutes.
Sprinkle garam masala before turning off the heat.
đŊī¸ Serving Suggestion:
Chingri Malai Curry pairs beautifully with plain white rice, basmati rice, or even festive pulao. Drizzle a little ghee on top for extra richness.
đĄ Tips:
Donât boil coconut milk on high heatâit may curdle.
Add slit green chilies if you prefer a spicier kick.
If large tiger prawns are unavailable, you can substitute with king prawns or even medium-sized ones.
đī¸ Final Thoughts:
Chingri Malai Curry is the perfect dish to serve during festivals, dinner parties, or when you simply want to treat your loved ones to something luxurious. Follow this simple recipe, and bring home the taste of Bengalâs royal kitchens.