Prawns Curry with Brinjal in Green Masala

This is typical East Indian Style Prawn Curry with brinjal in green masala which is mild spiced and made with freshly ground coconut or coconut milk. This another traditional East Indian recipe , my mother's recipe.

This curry is a very tasty and you can have it with hot steamed rice or handbreads - what the East Indian call apas.

Ingredients
12-15 medium sized Prawns
4 Baby Brinjals
1 Potato
3 Tablespoons Oil
Salt to taste

To Grind to paste
1 Cup Freshly grated Coconut
4-6 Green chillies or to your taste
1 Tablespoon Coriander seeds
1/4 Teaspoon Turmeric powder
1 Teaspoon Cumin seeds
6 Garlic cloves
1 inch piece Ginger
1 Cup Packed Coriander leaves
2 Teaspoons Tamarind paste
1 Teaspoon Rice - washed

Method

Devein the prawns you can keep the shell intact if you wish too , wash & drain excess water, (My mother use to keep the shell of the prawns, saying that it makes the curry very tasty). I remove the shells since my daugther does not like it.
Rub little salt to the prawns and keep aside.

In the mean while grind the masala.

Grind all the ingredients from the list (to grind to paste)to a fine smooth paste adding very little water.

Cut the brinjals & potatoe, in cubes or wedges , immerse them in water to prevent them from turning black.

In a vessel heat oil , add in the ground masala paste & fry over medium flame for 3-4 minutes till oil leaves the sides.
Then add the chopped brinjal, pototoes and saute for a minute, add the salt to taste and water according to the consistency needed for the gravy. Bring it to a boil , reduce the flame, cover and cook. Once the veggies have cooked, add the prawns. Simmer and let it boil for 3-4 minutes. Switch off the flame & serve hot with rice or apas.