PRAWNS BIRYANI |KOLAMBI BHAAT |PRAWNS RICE |Kolambichi Khichadi|shrimp Masala Rice |KOLAMBI PRAWNS PULAO

This is a well loved dish in my family.One of the yummy dishes from the Konkan belt of Maharashtra . An authentic recipe from Maharashtra.Kolambi Kalvan Bhat (Fish Curry and white rice) and Kolambi Khichadi (Prawn Rice) are one of my favorite dishes. All Konkani fish curries use a lot of coconut due to the abundance of coconut palms on the coast. It also gives fish curries that sweet creamy texture. Especially in the Khichadi. It's one of my favourite Indian foods and no one makes it like mom does.

Ingredients
1 cup  Prawn. (shrimp/kolambi)Peeled and deveined.
2 Cups Basmati Rice
1 Cup Cream of Coconut or Coconut Milk (optional)
2 Large White Onions finely chopped
2 Large Tomato finely chopped
3-4 Green Chilies slit longitudinally
5- 6 garlic cloves crushed
1/2 cup Coriander finely chopped
2 Tsp Garlic ginger paste
3 Tsp Red Chilli Powder
2 Tsp Turmeric
2 Tsp Garam Masala 

2 -3 tsp tamarind pulp /lemon juice
1 1/2 tsp Salt



Seasoning /tempering/phodni:

1tsp.Caraway Seeds(shahjeera)
5 whole Cloves(Lavang/Laung)
1tsp.whole Black Pepper Corns(Kaali Miri/Kaali Mirch)
2"piece Cinnamon Bark(Daalchini/Taj)
2 large Black Cardamoms(Kaali/Masala Velchi/Badi/Doda Ilaichi)
2 Bay Leaves(Tamaal Patra/Tej Patta)
1/2 cup Oil(any preferred)

 For garnishing:
2 tbsp. Cilantro (kothmir)

Method:

1.Peel and devein Shrimp.Wash clean and apply the ginger garlic paste,Turmeric powder,red chilli powder 1/2 tsp and a little Salt and set aside.soak rice for 30 minutes in water ,drain & keep aside.

2.In a heavy bottomed pan heat Oil and add the Seasoning spices. add garlic and green chilies while oil is still cold.Turn heat to medium.
3.When garlic starts to splatter add onion and stir.Keep stirring till onion turns brown and translucent. on medium heat. add ginger garlic paste & tomato and turn heat to high.
4.Stir and allow to cook till the tomato dissolves into the onion about 5- 7 minutes till  oil separates.Add red Chili powder, Turmeric, Garam Masala and salt.

5.Allow to cook for 2 min until it turns into a paste.
6.Add Prawns and stir till Prawns curl and change colour.Add Rice, Coconut milk and Coriander and 2 cups of pre-heated hot water.Stir and mix well.

7.Turn heat to medium and cover with lid.Keep adding water as needed till all the Rice is cooked.

8.Garnish with Coriander and serve hot with Papad,lemon & kandyachi koshimbir /sliced onions & ofcourse solkadhi.

Tip:
Use medium / small prawns for kolambi bhat.
You can skip coconut milk & add only water for cooking.