Prawns Watermelon Curry

Inspiration from Qatar & Indian regional cuisine

 I saw the use of watermelon in savoury main course in Rajasthan part of India where young watermelons are used in making vegetarian dished & cooked in similar fashion like any other marrow. As we know watermelon & shrimps is a great combinations in western & Asian cooking for making salad. My adaptation was taken to new path inspired by local seafood of Qatar & dessert of Middle East, the very famous Kunafa.

I wrapped the jumbo shrimps in kunafa noodles marinated with Indian spice blend & deep golden fried.

Served with watermelon infused spiced curry sauce.

The natural sweetness give a perfect balance to spices & goes great with shrimps.

Recipe Ingredients

Prawns U5 – 200gm

Turmeric powder- 15gm

Coriander powder-5gm

Rajasthani red chilli powder-10gm

Ginger-10gm

Salt- to taste

Clarified butter or Ghee- 1 tbsp

Kunafa noodles – for prawn wrapping

Watermelon juice -150 ml

Watermelon cube – 4 dices

Basil flowers – for garnish

Method:

1. Marinate the prawns with pinch of salt, turmeric & wrap with fresh kunafa noodles.
2. Take a separate sauce pan & heat some clarified butter. Add ginger & sauté till golden brown.
3. Add red chilli, turmeric & coriander powder. Cook for few minute of low flame.
4. Add watermelon juice to the above cooked spice mix & keep cooking till start to thicken.
5. Watermelon is used a replacement of water in general cooking.
6. Add salt & finish with little soft butter, drop in the melon cube & cook gently similar to classic French sauces.
7. Now deep fry the prawns & assemble in modern plating. Sauce & melon on the bottom & prawns on top, garnished with fresh basil flowers & some micro herbs.

The Above Recipe is Shared by Sous Chef Pradeep Kumar

Working For a Renowned Luxury Hotel Property in Qatar