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Thakkali Isso (Prawn & Tomato Curry)

Thakkali Isso (Prawn & Tomato Curry recipe image
Thakkali Isso is a beloved Sri Lankan dish that combines sweet, succulent prawns with the tangy richness of tomatoes and a blend of warming spices. This curry is quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights, yet it offers the complex flavors of traditional South Asian cooking. The sauce thickens beautifully into a rich, reddish-orange gravy that coats the prawns perfectly. Aromatic notes from curry leaves, lemongrass, and fenugreek balance the heat of the chili and the earthiness of turmeric.
Cooking Method:
Cuisine: ,
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 4
Calories: 450
Dietary: Gluten-free
Description
Thakkali Isso is a beloved Sri Lankan dish that combines sweet, succulent prawns with the tangy richness of tomatoes and a blend of warming spices. This curry is quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights, yet it offers the complex flavors of traditional South Asian cooking. The sauce thickens beautifully into a rich, reddish-orange gravy that coats the prawns perfectly. Aromatic notes from curry leaves, lemongrass, and fenugreek balance the heat of the chili and the earthiness of turmeric.
Ingredients
  • 450 gram Prawns
  • 50 gram Onion
  • 4 Cloves Garlic
  • 2 sl Ginger
  • 1 Chilli
  • 2 Tomatoes
  • 2 Cloves
  • 2 Cardamoms
  • 50 milliliter Oil
  • 1 Sprig curry leaves
  • 1/2 Stem lemongrass
  • 1 teaspoon Chilli powder
  • 2 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1 cm Cinnamon stick
  • 1/2 teaspoon Fenugreek seeds
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric
  • 100 milliliter Thin coconut milk
  • 100 milliliter Thick coconut milk
  • 1 teaspoon Lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon Curry powder
Directions
  1. 1
    Wash, shell, and de-vein the prawns. Rinse under running water and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. 2
    Chop the onion, mince the garlic and ginger, and slice the chilli and tomatoes.
  3. 3
    Crush the cloves and cardamoms lightly with the back of a spoon to release their aromas.
  4. 4
    Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the curry leaves and bruised lemongrass stem.
  5. 5
    Add the chopped onion, garlic, ginger, crushed cloves, and cardamoms. Saut for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and onions are soft.
  6. 6
    Add the sliced tomatoes, chilli powder, paprika, cinnamon stick, fenugreek seeds, salt, and turmeric. Cook for another 2 minutes until the tomatoes begin to break down.
  7. 7
    Add the prawns to the pan and toss well to coat them in the spice mixture. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until prawns turn pink.
  8. 8
    Pour in the thin coconut milk and stir well to combine with the spices. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  9. 9
    Add the thick coconut milk and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  10. 10
    Remove from heat. Sprinkle with lime juice and the final teaspoon of curry powder. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 450kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 25.0g39%
Saturated Fat 15.0g75%
Cholesterol 180mg60%
Sodium 600mg25%
Total Carbohydrate 15.0g5%
Dietary Fiber 2.0g8%
Sugars 5.0g
Protein 35.0g70%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: prawn curry, thakkali isso, sri lankan, tomato curry, shrimp, coconut milk, lemongrass, curry leaves, spicy, dinner, seafood, quick meal, fenugreek, turmeric, chili, garlic, ginger, onion, rice accompaniment
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/thakkali-isso-prawn-tomato-curry/