Cape Malay-style Prawn Curry

The great thing about a seafood curry is that it cooks in much less time than a meaty curry. This simple, fragrant prawn dish is slightly sweet and deliciously mild (add a dash of chilli powder if you like yours hotter). It also works very well with fresh black mussels or cubed firm white fish. Enjoy with a glass of Spier 21 Gables Chenin Blanc.

Note: This recipe is made with trimmed, shelled prawn tails. Although these are easy to eat, whole prawns (de-veined, head on) will add even more flavour. If you don’t mind the shells or eating with your hands, choose them instead (about 1kg).

Ingredients: (serves 4)

30ml (2 tablespoons) vegetable oil

1 onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, grated or finely chopped

1 knob fresh ginger, grated or finely chopped

15ml (1 tablespoon) roasted masala curry powder (or medium/mild curry powder)

5ml (1 teaspoon) ground cumin

5ml (1 teaspoon) ground turmeric

1 x 400ml can coconut milk

5ml (1 teaspoon) sugar

About 500g prawn tails, shelled and de-veined (see note above)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh coriander leaves to serve

Cooked basmati or jasmine rice to serve

Method:

In a wide, deep pan or pot, add the oil and fry the onions until soft and lightly browned. Add the garlic and ginger and fry for 30 seconds, then add the masala, cumin and turmeric and stir for a minute until the bottom of the pan goes dry.

Add the coconut milk, sugar and prawns, stir and bring to a simmer. Cover with a lid and simmer for 5 to 8 minutes until the prawns are just cooked.

Remove from the heat, season generously with salt and pepper. Serve hot in bowls over rice, topped with fresh coriander.

Serve with a glass of Spier 21 Gables Chenin Blanc.