Prawn Mappas is a lip-smacking South Indian dish, especially popular in the state of Kerala. This delicious curry has a rich coconut milk base and features prawns cooked with onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, green chillies, and a blend of aromatic spices. Coconut milk gives the dish a creamy texture that perfectly complements the delicate flavor of prawns.
This curry can be prepared in less than 15 minutes, making it a quick yet indulgent meal option. The use of coconut oil, mustard seeds, and curry leaves gives it the signature South Indian aroma and taste. Prawn Mappas pairs best with appam, but it can also be enjoyed with rice or chapati for a wholesome meal. Seafood lovers will definitely want to bookmark this recipe!
Recipe by: Suresh A.S., Chief Cook on the Houseboat, Spice Coast Cruises, CGH Earth
Ingredients
- 800 gm prawns
- 150 gm chopped tomato
- 15 gm coriander powder
- 6 gm turmeric powder
- 1 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 10 gm ginger
- 10 gm peppercorns
- 4 gm mustard seeds
- 200 gm sliced onion
- 10 gm red chilli powder
- 20 gm garam masala powder
- 3 gm fenugreek seeds
- 10 gm green chilli
- 10 gm garlic
- 5 gm curry leaves
- 6 tablespoon coconut oil
- Salt to taste
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Crush the ginger, garlic, and peppercorns together and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Masala Paste
Mix red chilli powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and turmeric with 1/2 cup of coconut milk to form a smooth paste. Keep aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat coconut oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and let them crackle. Then add curry leaves, green chillies, fenugreek seeds, sliced onions, and the crushed ginger-garlic-pepper mixture. Sauté for about 2 minutes.
Step 4: Add Prawns and Masala
Add the prepared masala paste and stir gently. Pour in another 1/2 cup of coconut milk. Add cleaned prawns, chopped tomatoes, and salt. Mix well.
Step 5: Cook the Curry
Cover and simmer for 5–6 minutes until the prawns are fully cooked. Add the remaining 1/2 cup coconut milk, swirl gently, and simmer on low heat for 2 minutes. Do not let the coconut milk boil.
Step 6: Serve
Garnish with curry leaves and serve hot with appam, rice, or chapati.
Final Thoughts
Prawn Mappas is a perfect blend of creamy, spicy, and aromatic flavors that capture the essence of Kerala cuisine. Quick to prepare yet rich in taste, it’s an excellent dish for both everyday meals and special occasions. Try it out and enjoy a taste of coastal South India in your kitchen!