Baby shrimp masala

Shrimp masala is one of the most delicious dish that I ever had. It tastes best when it is combined with more chili powder. The taste gets better as you keep adding the chilli, but of course one should know [their tolerance for spiciness] when to stop. It both looks as well as tastes delicious. Although, you might want to be a little generous with the oil you add while making this dish. 

Ingredients:

Small Shrimp - 800 gms to 1000 gms [peeled and cleaned]

Oil - 4 to 5 tbsp

Cloves - 3

Cardamom - 2 pods

Cinnamon - 1/2 inch stick

Bay leaf - 1

Onions (medium) - 4 

Tomato (medium) - 2 

Ginger garlic paste - 2 tbsp

Turmeric - 1/2 tsp

Coriander powder - 1 tbsp

Garam masala - 1/2 tsp

Salt - to taste

Coconut powder - 2 to 4 tbsp

Cashew nut powder - 2 tbsp

Red chilli powder - to taste

Coriander leaves - 1/2 bunch [more the better]

Preparation:

1. Add turmeric, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp chili powder and 1/2 tbsp ginger garlic paste to the cleaned shrimp. Mix it well and  start boiling it. 
2. After a few seconds water will start to come out from the shrimp, but keep boiling it till all the water is evaporated from the shrimp. (it will take about 10 to 20 minutes - varies with the size of the shrimp)
3. In the mean time heat the oil in another pan. Add cloves, cumin stick, cardamom, bay leave and fry them. 
4. After 30 seconds add chopped onion and fry it for about 15 to 20 mins till it turns golden brown. 
5. Add salt, chili powder and chopped tomatoes and fry for another 10 to 15 mins. It will turn in to a delicious gravy. 
6. Add the shrimp from step 2 and mix well. Add coriander powder, garam masala and mix. 
7. Add coconut powder and cashew nut powder and mix well. 
8. Taste at this point and adjust the seasoning to your taste if required. 
9. Just before switching off the stove add chopped coriander leaves and mix.

Enjoy with hot rice!!!!

Note: Make sure that all the water is evaporated from the shrimp before adding it to the gravy. Also, I like to add a little bit (1/2 tsp) of lime juice along with coriander leaves, depends on whether one like lemon or not.