Best Spiced Prawn Coconut Pilaf Recipes

GOAN PRAWN PULAO (PILAF)

Steps:

• Marinate the prawns in ½ teaspoon salt, lime juice and turmeric powder for 15 minutes
• Heat the cooking pot with the ghee. When it melts, add the whole spices, once they turn fragrant, add in the onions, sautee´until they become soft and light brown. Next add the ginger garlic pastes and chilis, cook for couple minutes and then add the tomato
• Once the tomatoes soften, add the vegetables and spice powders. Cover and cook for 4-5 minutes and then throw in the prawns, mix well and cook for 2 minutes*
• Next, add the soaked rice and coriander leaves. Mix well but gently, so as to not break the rice grains
• Now add the coconut milk, water and salt to taste, give it another mix. Be mindful that the prawns also have salt due to the marination. Cook this on high flame until the water and coconut milk from the surface dries up
• Then cover with the cooking pot with a lid an cook on the lowest flame for another 8 minutes. Once done, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for 10 minutes before serving
• Garnish your delicious Goan prawns pulao with fresh coconut and coriander leaves and serve. Enjoy!

TOMATO AND COCONUT CHICKEN OVER SPICED RICE PILAF

Steps:

• For the rice: Soak the rice in 4 cups of cold water for 30 minutes.
• For the chicken: Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Arrange the chicken on a baking sheet in a single layer. Season all sides of the chicken with salt. When the oil begins to smoke lightly, use a pair of metal tongs to carefully add the pieces, skin-side down, to the oil. Do not crowd the skillet. Lower the heat to medium and cook until the skin is browned, 5 to 8 minutes. Flip the chicken and brown the other side, another 5 to 8 minutes. Transfer the chicken pieces to a clean baking sheet and set aside.
• In the same skillet, add the garlic and onions. Add the red pepper flakes and some salt and cook, stirring frequently, until the garlic and onions turn light brown, 5 to 8 minutes. Add the coconut milk, tomatoes and bay leaves and bring to a simmer. Arrange the chicken pieces skin-side up in a single layer in the sauce. Pour any juices into the sauce as well. Lower the heat and simmer until the chicken is cooked through, 30 to 35 minutes. Discard the bay leaves. Taste for seasoning. Keep warm.
• To cook the rice: While the chicken is cooking, heat the oven to 250 degrees F.
• On a baking sheet, combine the cumin, fennel, cayenne and cinnamon stick. Lightly toast the spices in the oven, 1 to 2 minutes. Set aside.
• Heat a large Dutch oven over medium heat and add the butter and onion. Season with salt and cook until the onion is translucent but not browned, 5 to 8 minutes. Stir in the spices. Drain the rice, reserving the soaking water. Stir in the rice and cook until you hear it crackling, 1 to 2 minutes. Gently stir in the reserved water. Season with salt and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cover and cook until the water has been absorbed and the rice is fluffy, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow the rice to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before "forking" it gently onto plates. Spoon the chicken and sauce over the rice and serve.

PRAWN & COCONUT CURRY

Steps:

• Fry the onions, ginger and garlic in the oil for about 10 mins. Stir in the turmeric and coriander, then fry for 1 min more. Tip the mixture into a blender with the tomatoes and creamed coconut, then blend to a purée.
• Return to the pan with 300ml water, the chutney, chilli and pepper and simmer for 10 mins. You can freeze it at this stage.
• Stir in the prawns and cook for a few mins more until they turn pink - take care not to overcook them or they'll become tough. Add the coriander, then season to taste with salt, pepper and lemon juice just before serving.