RECIPE - Kolambhi Bhaat - Prawn rice

From the State of Maharashtra on India's west coast, we bring you this delicious one pot meal that is quick and easy.  Great way to use left-over rice.

• Apply 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp turmeric to 500g cleaned prawns.
• Heat a heavy based casserole dish/wok then add 2 tbps oil, 1 tsp cumin seed, 1" piece of cinnamon, 4 green cardamom pods, 4 cloves,  and 4 bay leaves.
• On medium heat, stir-fry for a minute / till the cumin seeds turn golden.
• Then add 1 finely chopped onion, 3 fat cloves of grated garlic, 1 tsp grated ginger and stir-fry till the onions are translucent.
• Now add 400g chopped fresh/canned tomatoes and 1 tbsp Malwani curry spice powder.  Cook, covered, on medium heat for 5 minutes till the tomatoes are soft and jammy.
• Add the prawns and cook, covered, for 3 minutes.
• Stir in the 3 cups cooked rice and 1 tbsp fresh coriander leaves.
• Serve with a fresh salad or Raita.

NOTE:  you can turn this into a vegan recipe by substituting the prawns with vegetable (pumpkin, cauliflower, beans etc) of your choice.