Prawn Pulao

I am a Koli and I can say this with authority that the Prawn pulao is not a traditional Koli recipe even though modern Koli make Prawn pulao commonly in their kitchens. The word pulao or pilaf is Persian in origin and therefore many attribute the origins of Pulao to Persia. But you will be surprised to find the mention of game meat cooked with rice in the Mahabharat.

So if you thought that Parsi prawn pulao is authentic Persian you are wrong. Rather it is something created from local ingredients available to the early Parsi refugees that settled first in Sanjan and then moved to other parts of Gujarat and Mumbai. The dhania or coriander is such a give away!

Nevertheless this is a delicious quick to make recipe. I don't know what I would have done if there was no Prawn pulao recipe on hand whenever I want to please AC that too in a jiffy.

Serves 2 

Ingredients

150 gms Basmati rice
150 gms shelled and deviened Prawns
1 onion chopped or 1 tablespoon Birista
1 tomato chopped fine
1/2 teaspoon ginger grated
1/2 teaspoon garlic paste
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
1 green chili mashed
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1 tablespoon oil
300 ml water

Wash and drain the basmati rice in a colander and allow to stay for atleast 1/2 hour.

Later heat oil in the pot. If using onion fry till brown Or use ready birista. Add chopped tomato. Add the ginger - garlic, fry till the tomato forms a paste. Add the dry powders of turmeric, red chili, coriander, cumin, mashed green chili and give it a stir. Add the prawns. Now follow in with the soaked and drained Basmati. Top up with water. Cook covered till water is absorbed by the basmati.

Open the lid, sprinkle chopped cilantro and fluff up the rice with a fork very carefully so as not to break the long grains of rice.

Served warm to my happy hubby.

Dotty this recipe is up here just for you, now go cook and show me how yours turns out. Bon apetite!

Made with whole prawns 🦐 just like in a paella. Also used Suhana biryani masala. A shower of grated coconut and cilantro a Koli habit.  Absolutely delicious. First time tasting my own prawn pulao. 14 April 2024