Jhinka Masala (Bengal Lancers Shrimp Curry)
fish, indian
1 stephen ceideburg
1 lb medium shrimp, peeled, deveined, ta; ils left on
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
4 whole garlic cloves, peeled
1 half-inch piece fresh ginger, peele; d
2 dried red chiles, stemmed
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoon mustard oil or light olive oil
1 cup finely chopped onion
1 1/2 cup chopped tomato
1/4 cup to 1/2 cup water
1 freshly cooked basmati or long-grai; n rice
This dish was popular with the Bengal Lancers regiment around the turn of the century. For a change of pace, try it over pasta or Indian basmati rice.
Sprinkle shrimp with salt and turmeric. Toss well to coat; cover and set aside for 15 minutes.
Combine mustard, cumin, garlic, ginger, chiles and lemon juice in a blender and puree. Set aside.
Heat oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook until soft, about 3 minutes.
Add pureed spice mixture. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Stir in tomato and cook until soft. Add shrimp, stir gently to coat them evenly.
Pour in the water and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
Reduce heat to medium, cover, and cook until shrimp are just opaque, about 5 minutes.
Mound rice into heated serving plates. Spoon curry over and serve.
Note: Basmati rice has a distinctive nutty flavor. It is available at Indian, Middle Eastern, some specialty food stores and supermarkets.
PER SERVING (not counting rice): 375 calories, 40 g protein, 15 g carbohydrate, 17 g fat (3 g saturated), 279 mg cholesterol, 279 mg sodium, 3 g fiber.
Laxmi Hiremath writing in the San Francisco Chronicle, 6/24/92.
Yield: 2 servings