Vav Jhinga: A Flavorful Shrimp Curry from Coastal India

Vav Jhinga: A Flavorful Shrimp Curry from Coastal India

Vav Jhinga is a vibrant and richly spiced shrimp curry originating from the coastal regions of India, renowned for its aromatic blend of spices and succulent shrimp. This dish beautifully balances the heat from cloves and chili peppers with the tanginess of tamarind and sweetness from coconut milk, creating an unforgettable culinary experience.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:
– 500g shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons coconut oil
– 1 large onion, finely chopped
– 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece ginger, grated
– 2 green chilies, slit
– 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1 teaspoon garam masala
– 1 teaspoon red chili powder
– Salt to taste
– Tamarind paste (2 tablespoons soaked in ½ cup hot water)
– 1 cup coconut milk
– Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Ingredients:
– 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
– Curry leaves for additional aroma

Instructions

Step-by-step Preparation:

1. Prepare Tamarind Water:
– In a small bowl, soak the tamarind paste in ½ cup of hot water for about 10-15 minutes. Once softened, strain the liquid and discard the pulp.

2. Cooking Shrimp:
– In a large pan, heat the coconut oil over medium heat.
– If using, add mustard seeds and let them crackle before adding the onions.
– Sauté the onions until they become translucent and then add the garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

3. Building the Curry Base:
– Add the tomatoes, turmeric powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, garam masala, and red chili powder. Cook the mixture until the oil begins to separate from the masala (spice mix), which should take about 5-7 minutes.
– Add salt to taste.

4. Adding Shrimp & Coconut Milk:
– Add the shrimp to the pan and stir well to coat them with the spice mixture.
– Add the coconut milk and tamarind water to the pan, stirring to combine.
– Let the shrimp cook in the curry for about 5-6 minutes, or until they turn pink and are fully cooked through.

5. Final Touch:
– Once the shrimp are cooked, check the seasoning and adjust salt if necessary.
– Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves and, if desired, a few fresh curry leaves.

6. Serving:
– Serve Vav Jhinga hot with steamed basmati rice, naan, or any bread of your choice.

Prepare this delicious Vav Jhinga shrimp curry to enjoy a delightful combination of coastal Indian flavors.