Crispy Fried Prawns

I usually try to record the happy and funny things that happen to me in this blog, and sometimes think for ages wondering what will make interesting reading, am i boring my occasional readers? And especially the odd reader who comes back. And in this quest, i read a lot of blogs. So many that my husband is amused at my addiction. And sometimes not so amused when i forget to cook lunch or dinner losing myself in a really interesting read. Two days ago, i somehow found my way into this non-food blog that wasn't telling you the happy things. It was about talking truths that people usually would not talk about, mostly because it is not considered polite conversation. I loved her writing so much, i ignored all else, my own blog included, and spent a whole 72 hours going through her archive and old blogs. I am glad there is a person like that who shares her experiences to the world, making it easier for people like me who will never open up as much.

Now back to our world of food. I have already talked about how snacks are a must in my home. And non-vegetarian being the preferred ones. So it was only a matter of time before i found a quick and easy snack in that department. As much as spicy puffed rice can be whipped up in a jiffy, delicious crispy fried prawns don't take any longer than that. You will need to spend a maximum of 15 minutes in the kitchen, before you bring back this hot snack to the dining table. I used medium size frozen fresh prawns. Did you know that the best way to preserve the freshness of prawns is to freeze them immediately after they are caught, right by the river or sea. So if you don't live by the water bodies, buying it frozen is not a bad option at all. And this discovery had made life so much easier. Now off to the recipe.

Ingredients

• 200 grams Frozen Prawns, cleaned and de-veined (about 40 pieces)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon fish masala or garam masala or any spice powder you like
• salt to taste, about 1/4 teaspoon
• crushed peppercorns and lime wedges for garnish

Method

Defrost the prawns by running them under room temperature water for 2-3 minutes. Prawns defrost quite quickly. Wash them with the turmeric and dry on paper towels. In a bowl, mix together the flour, chili powder, salt and spice. Heat oil in a saucepan/kadai on medium heat. While the oil is heating, place the prawns in the flour mix and turn to coat. The oil should be hot, but not smoking. To test if the oil is at the right temperature, place one small prawn into the oil, it should rise to the surface immediately. 

Now place the flour coated prawns into oil gently, making sure not to spill hot oil on yourself. (A deep fryer would do very nicely, but since i don't own one i heat a cup of oil in a small saucepan). Fry for 2 minutes until golden brown. Remove to a paper towel to soak the excess oil. Sprinkle some freshly ground black pepper and serve with lime wedges. You now have delicious prawns that are crispy on the outside and soft and succulent on the inside. Yummy. 

 La's Note: You will not need more than 3 minutes even if frying large prawns on medium heat. If over fried, the prawns will become rubbery instead of soft and will ruin the taste too. Yes, guilty again, I have done that over frying a few times, before learning to follow instructions.