Prawn Pulao

This Prawn Pulao is not only delicious but has a fragrant aroma of cinnamon & green cardamom. The prawns impart a great flavor to the rice as well.
This pulao can be fixed instantly with a little pre-preparation. You may prepare the fresh prawn stock & freeze it. Similarly, you can get the prawns cleaned & marinated & use it at short notice.
It is ideal for little children as it is mildly flavored with aromatic spices. Most kids enjoy this sumptuous pulao. It is wonderful to serve this pulao at parties, on Sundays & holidays or even in your tiffin box. If you have a lot of chores & things to do on a holiday then it is just right to prepare this pulao for lunch with your favorite raita. Well, it is an excellent one pot meal! Above all,  this Goan Prawn Pulao is one of our favorite rice delicacies…
Do try this Prawn Pulao. We love it & I’m sure you will too.  Enjoy! 😀

Ingredients :

• 500 gms. Fresh Prawns (shelled, deveined & washed)
• 2 cups fresh Prawn Stock
• 2 tsp. Red Chilli pwd.
• ½ tsp. Turmeric pwd.
• ½ tsp. Salt
• 200 gms. Basmati Rice
• 1 large Onion (peeled & finely chopped)
• 1 large fresh Tomato (blanched & finely sliced)
• Juice of ½ Lime
• 1 tbsp. fresh Garlic paste or finely chopped Garlic
• ½ tbsp. fresh Ginger paste or grated Ginger
• 2 fresh Green Chillies (split)
• 1 inch piece Cinnamon Stick
• 4 Cloves
• 5 Peppercorns
• 2 flakes Star Anise
• ¼ tsp. Shahijeera
• 2 Green Cardamoms + 1 Black Cardamom (lightly bruised)
• 1 Bay Leaf
• 4 tbsps. Vegetable Oil
• 1 tbsp. melted Ghee or Butter (optional)
• ¼ cup fresh Coriander Leaves (roughly chopped)
• Water as required

Procedure :
Mix the cleaned & washed prawns with red chilli powder, turmeric powder & salt for about 10 mins.

Heat 2 tbsps. of vegetable oil in the pressure cooker body till hot.

Add the marinated prawns & fry for about 5 mins. Set aside.

Pick & wash the basmati rice till the water runs clear.

Set aside to soak for about ½ an hour.

Heat the cooker body again with another 2 tbsps. of oil.

Add all the dry whole spices & let them crackle.

Then add chopped onions & fry till they are lightly brown.

Add the ginger-garlic paste & sauté till rawness disappears & you get a good aroma.

Add the split green chillies, sliced tomatoes & cook till it softens.

Now add the rice & sauté on a low flame till well fried & glossy.

Add the lightly fried prawns & sauté well. Reserve a few for garnishing.

Finally add prawn stock, sufficient water, lime juice & salt to taste.

Give it a good stir. Cook up to 2 whistles.

Release steam immediately & completely. Open the pressure cooker.

Let the pulao settle & cool down for about 10 to 15 mins. Do not stir.

Melt butter or ghee & sprinkle on top & sides of the pulao evenly.

Fluff the pulao lightly with a fork.

Serve garnished with reserved fried prawns & chopped fresh coriander.

Enjoy with your favorite raita.

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