Dried Shrimp Masala Powder | Prawn powder
Dried shrimp masala powder recipe is a flavorful spice blend made with dried shrimp as one of the key ingredients. It is commonly used in South Indian and Southeast Asian cuisines to add a unique umami flavor to various dishes. Dried shrimp, also known as dried prawns or shrimp paste, are small shrimp that have been dried and preserved.
To make dried prawn powder, dried shrimp are typically ground into a fine powder or paste and combined with a variety of spices and seasonings. The exact ingredients and proportions can vary depending on the specific recipe or regional variations.
Some common ingredients found in dried shrimp masala powder include:
Dried shrimp: The dried shrimp form the base of the masala and provide a rich, savory, and slightly fishy flavor.
Spices: Various spices are added to enhance the taste and aroma of the masala. These may include cumin seeds, coriander seeds, fenugreek seeds, mustard seeds, fennel seeds, dried red chilies, and turmeric.
Aromatics: Ingredients like garlic, ginger, and onions are often included to add depth of flavor and fragrance to the masala.
Other seasonings: Additional seasonings such as salt, black pepper, curry leaves, and dried tamarind may be used to balance the flavors and create a well-rounded masala.
The dried shrimp masala can be used in a variety of dishes. It is commonly used in curries, stir-fries, rice dishes, and chutneys to add a distinct umami flavor. It can also be used as a seasoning for seafood dishes, soups, and stews.
The intensity of the flavor can vary depending on the amount of dried shrimp used in the masala. A little goes a long way, as dried shrimp have a concentrated and potent taste. It is important to balance the flavors and use the masala judiciously to avoid overpowering the other ingredients in the dish.
Dried shrimp masala adds a unique and robust flavor to dishes, particularly those that require a savory or seafood taste. It can be a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire if you enjoy experimenting with different flavors and ingredients.
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Dried Shrimp Masala Recipe | Prawn powder
Driedshrimp masala is a flavorful spice blend made with dried shrimp as one of thekey ingredients. It is commonly used in South Indian and Southeast Asiancuisines to add a unique umami flavor to various dishes.
Ingredients
- Dry shrimps – 250 gms.
- Oil – 2 tbsp.
- Dry red chilies – 50 gms.
- Coriander seeds – 3 tbsp.
- Cumin seeds – 2 tbsp.
- Curry leaves – 2 tbsp.
- Crystal salt – 2 tbsp.
- Tamarind – small lemon size
- Garlic cloves – 18 No.
Instructions
- Because dried prawns may contain foreign particles and dust, filter them before frying them.
- Dry roast the prawns for a few minutes over low heat until crisp. Transfer to a separate plate to cool.
- Heat a small amount of oil in a pan and add the dry red chilies. Roast them over a low heat and transfer to a separate platter.
- To the remaining oil, add the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and curry leaves. Roast on a low heat.
- In a mixer grinder, combine the fried dry red chiles, coriander seeds, crystal salt, and tamarind.
- Grind the garlic cloves with their skins finely.
- You will find no moisture in dry prawns after cooling. It readily turns to powder when crushed with your fingertips.
- Grind the shrimps to a soft powder in a mixer grinder. Dry prawn powder should be kept in an airtight container.
Recipe Video
How to make dried shrimp masala powder:
1. Shrimps once dried may contain foreign particles and dust so sieve before you fry them.
2. Dry roast shrimps on low flame for a while till they turn crisp. Transfer to another plate and let them cool.
3. Heat little oil in a pan and put dry red chilies. Roast them on low flame and transfer to another plate.
4. In left over oil add coriander seeds, cumin seeds and curry leaves. Roast on low flame.
5. Put fried dry red chiles, coriander seeds, crystal salt and tamarind in a mixer grinder.
6. Add garlic cloves with skin and grind coarsely.
7. Once dry shrimps get cooled, one can find no moisture in it. If crushed with fingers it turns powder easily.
8. Put shrimps in a mixer grinder and grind to soft powder. Store dry shrimp powder in an airtight container.
Watch this recipe video on >> Youtube.
Tips to help you make dried shrimp masala powder:
Quality dried shrimp: Start with good quality dried shrimp. Look for shrimp that are clean, free of shells, and have a pleasant aroma. Ensure they are properly dried and not damp or spoiled.
Dry roast the dried shrimp: In a dry skillet or pan, roast the dried shrimp over low heat. Stir constantly to prevent burning. Roasting helps to enhance the flavor and aroma of the shrimp. Roast until the shrimp turn crispy and slightly golden. Allow them to cool completely before proceeding to the next step.
Grind the dried shrimp: Once the roasted shrimp have cooled, transfer them to a spice grinder or blender. Grind them into a fine powder. Ensure there are no large pieces remaining. Grinding the shrimp into a powder helps to incorporate their flavor into the masala blend.
Add spices and seasonings: To the ground dried shrimp powder, add a combination of spices and seasonings according to your taste preferences. Common spices used in dried shrimp masala powder include red chili powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. You can also add salt to taste. Adjust the quantities of each spice to achieve the desired flavor profile.
Blend the ingredients: Once all the spices and seasonings are added, blend everything together thoroughly. This ensures that the flavors are well mixed and evenly distributed throughout the masala powder.
Store in an airtight container: Transfer the dried shrimp masala powder to an airtight container. This helps to retain its flavor and aroma. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Proper storage ensures the masala powder stays fresh for a longer duration.
Use in various dishes: Dried shrimp masala powder can be used to enhance the flavor of various dishes. It adds a distinct seafood flavor to curries, stir-fries, fried rice, noodles, soups, and more. Experiment with different recipes and explore the versatility of the masala powder.
Remember, the flavor intensity of dried shrimp masala powder can vary depending on personal preferences. Adjust the quantity of each ingredient and the level of spiciness according to your taste. Enjoy the homemade masala powder in your favorite dishes and explore the rich flavors it adds to your culinary creations.
