Isso Curry, another name for Sri Lankan Prawn Curry, is a delicious seafood meal that mixes tender prawns with a flavorful, fragrant coconut curry.
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Isso Curry, another name for Sri Lankan Prawn Curry, is a delicious seafood meal that mixes tender prawns with a flavorful, fragrant coconut curry. The dish’s robust tastes come from the blending of fresh ingredients like onions, garlic, and tomatoes with spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and curry powder. Coconut milk gives the curry its creamy texture and precisely counteracts the heat from the chiles, making it a rich and aromatic meal. The perfect amount of cooking preserves the prawns’ soft texture so they may absorb the rich aromas of the curry.
Prawn curry from Sri Lanka is a popular dish among seafood enthusiasts and is typically eaten with roti, steaming rice, or string hoppers.
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What Is The Prawn/Isso Curry?
Sri Lankan seafood dishes such as prawn curry, sometimes called isso curry, are traditional dishes that highlight the rich tastes of the country’s gastronomy. This curry, made with fresh prawns, is a tasty and filling dish that combines aromatic spices and creamy coconut milk in a harmonic way.
First, the prawns are washed and marinated in a mixture of salt, turmeric, and chili powder. Curry leaves, onions, garlic, and ginger are sautéed until aromatic to make the curry’s foundation. A touch of ground cumin, coriander, and fenugreek adds variety and depth to the meal. Then, coconut milk is added to make a thick, creamy sauce that counteracts the spice’s heat with a touch of sweetness. To offer a delicate tanginess that balances the natural sweetness of the prawns, tomatoes or tamarind are frequently added.
The use of fresh ingredients and a delicious blend of acidic, sweet, and spicy tastes are what distinguish Sri Lankan Prawn Curry from other recipes. The prawns are cooked just long enough to retain their tenderness and juicy texture while absorbing the flavors of the curry.
A popular meal that embodies the spirit of coastal Sri Lankan cuisine is Isso Curry, which is typically served with steamed rice, roti, or string hoppers. Bold flavors, a creamy texture, and the gratifying bite of well cooked prawns make it a favorite. When it comes to experiencing the true flavors of Sri Lanka, seafood enthusiasts just must try this meal
The Health Benefits Of Prawn/Isso Curry Are:
The many health advantages of prawn/isso curry make it a wholesome side dish for any meal:
- High in Protein: Prawns are a great source of high-quality protein that promotes muscular health and aids in tissue growth and repair.
- Low Calorie: Prawns are an excellent choice for people who want to have a tasty dish without gaining too much weight because they are low in calories.
- Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are found in prawns and are good for the heart, lowering inflammation, and promoting cognitive function.
- Brimming with Minerals and Vitamins: Selenium, vitamin B12, and zinc are just a few of the vital elements found in prawns. These components promote overall wellbeing, energy production, and a robust immune system.
- Promotes Bone Health: The calcium and phosphorus in prawns contribute to the maintenance of healthy teeth and bones.
- tioxidant Properties: The curry’s spices, such as cumin and turmeric, have anti inflammatory and free-radical-fighting properties.
- Boosts Immunity: The immune-boosting qualities of the curry leaves, garlic, and onions in the meal help shield the body from infections.
- Heart Health: When ingested in moderation, medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are present in coconut milk used in curry recipes, can lower cholesterol and promote heart health.
Because of these health advantages, prawn/isso curry is a tasty and wholesome dinner option.
Other Names Of The Prawn/Isso Curry Are:
Other names for Prawn/Isso Curry include:
- Sri Lankan Prawn Masala: Highlighting the curry’s usage of spices.
- Spicy Coconut Prawn Curry: Emphasizing the sauce’s coconut basis and level of spice is the Spicy Coconut Prawn Curry.
- Sri Lankan Seafood Curry: Any seafood curry, including prawn curry, can be referred to as Sri Lankan seafood curry.
- Prawn Coconut Stew: A sauce with a consistency similar to stew made with coconut milk.
- Isso Baduma: Asso Prawn curry and baduma, a vernacular phrase from Sri Lanka, are sometimes used interchangeably.
- Shrimp Curry: A more generic term might be “shrimp curry,” especially in areas where “shrimp” is used rather than “prawns.”
- Coconut Prawn Stew: Another version that highlights the rich coconut milk foundation is Coconut Prawn Stew.
- Prawn Kari: Prawn Kari is a name with South Indian influences that reflects the word “kari” used for curry.
Depending on presenting methods and regional preferences, these names could change.
Tips For Making Prawn/Isso Curry Are:
- The secret to producing the best shrimp curry, whether it’s Sri Lankan or another type, is to add the shrimp or prawns right before the end and cook them to perfection. In this manner, when they are covered in that delicious rich sauce or gravy, they will be juicy, soft, and bursting with flavor.
- First, cook the shrimp heads with the spices, onion, garlic, and ginger to create a multilayered, very fragrant curry foundation. The heads of the shrimp get crispy and somewhat caramelized because I pan-fry them beforehand, which gives the curry base an additional flavor boost. In certain homes, the curry base is made by blending and straining the shrimp or prawn heads. You may omit this step if you don’t use shrimp heads.
- The shrimp are lavishly coated in a wonderfully rich gravy/sauce in this Sri Lankan shrimp curry, also known as prawn curry. You may decide whether to thin it out by adding more water or to keep it thick. I like my gravy thick. Just make sure you season and taste appropriately.
- The degree of spice is another difference. Unexpectedly, we adore how spicy it is! Thus, we generously add two teaspoons of cayenne pepper to our curry. But only if you enjoy hot food! If not, adjust the cayenne pepper dosage to your preferred level (I would recommend at least 1/2 tsp). Although this Sri Lankan shrimp curry isn’t genuine, It contributes the traditional crimson hue of a delicious Sri Lankan prawn stew (but never use smoked paprika)
- While pandan leaves (called rampe in Sinhala) and curry leaves (called karapincha in Sinhala) are highly advised, don’t panic if you can’t locate a nearby Asian restaurant that sells them. But they do give the curry a unique, herbaceous taste.
FAQ
What Is The Isso/Prawn Curry?
A classic Sri Lankan meal called “Prawn/Isso Curry” is created with prawns cooked in a flavorful stew made with rich coconut milk and a mixture of spices including chili powder, cumin, and turmeric.
How Hot Is The Isso/Prawn Curry?
The amount of chili used determines how spicy the prawn/isso curry is. Depending on what you want hot or pleasantly spicy, it may go either way.
Can I Substitute Shrimp For Prawns?
Indeed, you may make this meal without prawns by using shrimp instead. Both the materials and the cooking process are unchanged.
How Should Isso Curry And Prawns Be Served?
The finest accompaniments for Prawn/Isso Curry are steamed rice, roti, or string hoppers. It goes well with flatbreads like paratha or naan as well.
Isso Curry And Prawns Healthy?
Indeed, shrimp/isso curry is a nutritious meal that’s high in protein, good fats like omega-3 fatty acids, and vital vitamins and minerals. Healthy fats are also added when coconut milk is used.
How Long Is Sour Prawn Curry Good For In The Refrigerator?
For up to two days, prawn/isso curry can be kept in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Before serving, fully reheat.
Is It Possible To Produce A Vegetarian Curry Like This One?
Sure, you can make a vegetarian curry by replacing the prawns with vegetables like potatoes, mushrooms, or tofu.
Can I Freeze Isso Curry Or Prawns?
It is not advised to freeze shrimp or isso curry since the prawns might turn rubbery when reheated. Curry that is freshly prepared has the greatest flavor and texture.
Which Spices Are Frequently Used In Isso Curry And Prawn Curry?
Curry powder, chili powder, fenugreek, cumin, coriander, and turmeric are common spices.
Can I Use Coconut Milk From A Can?
Yes, canned coconut milk gives the curry a rich, creamy texture and is frequently used in this recipe. If it’s available, you may also use fresh coconut milk.
Prawn Curry
Ingredients
Shrimp / Prawns
- 455 g large shrimp or prawns preferably head-on, about 20 shrimp (see recipe notes)
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp Sri Lankan Curry Powder
Shrimp Curry
- Use 3 tbsp coconut oil or vegetable oil
- 4 – 5 garlic cloves finely chopped (about 1 tbsp)
- Cut the 1-inch piece of ginger finely chopped
- 1 medium onion red onion or sweet onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp unroasted Sri Lankan Curry Powder
- ½ tsp ground fennel
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper adjust to your spice level
- 1 tsp regular paprika
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 10 – 12 curry leaves karapincha
- 3 pandan leaves rampe
- ⅓ cup coconut milk
- ⅔ cup water + ¼ cup at the end
- 2 – 3 fresh red chili peppers or 1 tbsp sambal oelek
- 2 tbsp lemon / lime juice
- ½ tsp sugar optional
- salt to taste
Instructions
Getting the Prawns or Shrimp Ready
- After cleaning the shrimp or prawns, leave them aside (do not discard). Remove the shrimp's veins by peeling off the shell while keeping the tails whole.
- Separately rinse the shrimp and shrimp heads
- While you prepare the curry base, sprinkle the shrimp with the salt and curry powder, toss to coat, and leave away to marinade.
Curry with Shrimp
- Add the coconut oil to a skillet or pan that has been heated to medium-high heat. When heated, carefully add the shrimp heads to the pan—they will sizzle and splash. The shrimp heads should be cooked for five to ten minutes, or until they are crispy and have some caramelized places.
- Reduce the heat to medium and cook the shrimp heads for a few minutes, or until the onions become tender. After adding the onion, ginger, garlic, and a good amount of salt.
- After adding the curry powder, paprika, fennel powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, curry leaves, and rampe (panndan) leaves, sauté the mixture for around five minutes, stirring regularly, until the spices become aromatic and combine with the onion, garlic, and ginger to make a paste
- Stir together the coconut milk, ⅓ cup water, sugar, fresh red chile pepper, and lemon or lime juice. Heat mixture until it boils. For around ten to fifteen minutes, or until the mixture is thick and dark crimson in color, simmer it covered.
- Peel the shrimp and add them to the gravy base. Gently stir everything together until the shrimp is fully covered in the gravy or sauce. If you want additional gravy or if the gravy is too thick, add the extra ¼ cup of water.
- Stir the mixture gradually and bring it to a simmer. Now turn the your’s heat down to medium or medium-low. Simmer for a further 10 minutes, or until the shrimp reaches a lovely, pink color and is cooked through. If necessary, add salt to taste and season
- Now turn off the heat and cover the pan with a lid and let the shrimp sit in the gravy for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired, and serve over coconut roti or rice. Have fun!
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