Chingri Dopiaza: A Delightful Prawn Curry

Chingri Dopiaza is a traditional Bengali dish that captures the essence of coastal cuisine. The name “Dopiaza” translates to “two onions,” signifying the dish’s unique cooking method that incorporates onions at two different stages. This prawn curry is rich, flavorful, and perfect for seafood lovers.

Ingredients

To make Chingri Dopiaza, you will need the following ingredients:

• 500 grams of fresh prawns, cleaned and deveined
• 4 large onions, finely sliced
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 2 green chilies, slit
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
• 1 cup yogurt, whisked
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
• 3 tablespoons mustard oil or any cooking oil

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Prawns

1. In a bowl, mix the prawns with turmeric powder and salt. Let it marinate for about 15-20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Base

2. Heat mustard oil in a large pan over medium heat.
3. Add half of the sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same oil, add the remaining onions and cook until they become soft and translucent.
5. Add the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the raw smell disappears.

Step 3: Cook the Tomatoes and Spices

6. Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook until they become soft and mushy.
7. Stir in the red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook for a couple of minutes until the spices are well incorporated.

Step 4: Add Yogurt and Prawns

8. Lower the heat and add the whisked yogurt to the pan, stirring continuously to prevent curdling.
9. You can avoid yogurt if you don’t like it in spicy.
10. Once the yogurt is well blended, add the marinated prawns and cook for 5-7 minutes until they turn pink and are cooked through.

Step 5: Final Touches

10. Add the previously fried onions back to the pan and mix well.
11. Sprinkle garam masala powder and cook for another 2 minutes.
12. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Serving Suggestions

Chingri Dopiaza pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or any Indian bread like naan or roti. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. Try it once, and you will love making it.

Conclusion

Chingri Dopiaza is a delightful prawn curry that brings out the best of Bengali flavors. Its rich taste and aromatic spices make it a favorite among seafood enthusiasts. Give this recipe a try, and let the flavors transport you to the coastal regions of Bengal. Happy cooking!