Dry Shrimp and Coconut Stir Fry/ Unakka Konchu Thoran

Recipe No: 88

Unakka Konchu thoran used to be a part of Christian feasts back in the days before Cabbage started taking its place. So whenever my mother prepares a big feast for elder people, she makes this and almost all the time she gets good comments. So recently when I visited an Asian store, I came across this good and clean dried shrimp which awoke my memories on this preparation. To my amazement this didn't give that sharp smell caused by dried fishes and I should say it tasted awesome too… So here it goes a recipe straight from my mother’s kitchen…

Ingredients                                    Serves 6-8

• Clean Dry Shrimp…………..100gms./ 3.5oz/ 1 Cup
• Dry Red Chilly………………..2
• Coconut Grated……………...1 Cup
• Turmeric Powder…………...1/2 Teaspoon
• Green Chilly…………………..4-5 (Depending on your heat tolerance)
• Shallots sliced………………...1/2 Cup
• Ginger Chopped……………..1 Teaspoon
• Garlic Clove…………………...1 Large
• Coconut Oil…………………….1 ½ Tablespoons
• Curry Leaves………………….2 Sprigs
• Salt as per taste

Method of Preparation

1. Wash the Dried Shrimp really good by rubbing it in water at least three times and drain really good by squeezing.
2. Grind together Dry red Chilly, Coconut, Turmeric Powder, Green Chilly, Shallots, Salt, Ginger and Garlic well.
3. To this add the Shrimp and grind once more so that some of the Shrimp is crushed and some are left whole.
4. Put all these into a pan together with Curry leaves and salt, add ½ cup of water, close the pan and cook this on high heat till it boils and then reduce the flame and cook till all the water is absorbed.
5. Once cooked add the Coconut oil and some crushed Curry leaves on top, close the pan and let it sit for 10 minutes before serving.
6. Serve hot with rice.

Notes:

• Cleaning whole dried Shrimp can be done in two ways. One is that you can pick the head and appendages directly. Another way is heating it in a pan without any oil till it is hot and then crush it lightly with your hands; the head and the appendages will separate easily.
• Be careful while adding salt as the dried shrimp may be salty at times.

Make it, enjoy the deliciousness and
serve it to your family with love…