Masak Lemak Cili Api Prawns

Here's something I pulled out from my ever expanding backlog. This one's from when Chuan was over a while back for a cooking session. In fact, it was so long ago I can't properly recall what went into the food :(

Chuan: if you spot any mistakes/omissions, do edit the post

Can't remember how the situation unfolded, but somehow, only after all the planning, shopping, and prep work we done, did we realise that both of us were working towards a different dish -- Chuan had his mind set on a thai green curry thingy, while I was working towards something like masak lemak cili api.

Whichever the inspiration, they both led to the same ingredients, and one dish :p

To make things green, we got some leafy stuff from the chinese market - a huge bunch of coriander and what we suspect to be curry leaves.

For the ooomph factor, lots of chillies!

Finely chop all the above, ...

... then have Chuan pound 'em!!

The prawns are then mixed into the concoction and left to marinate for a while.

Next, we added in some coconut milk and put the whole mixture to boil, stirring constantly. Once the prawn is cooked, fish them and continue simmering the sauce curry soup lemaky liquid stuff.

We then realised that some asam jawa (tamarind) juice would be require, but of course, I didn't have any lying around. A substitution is in order ....

... OK, this will do.

Simmer simmer.

Stir stir.

When it finally looked good enough to eat, the cooked prawns went back in. Then some sliced lady's fingers. Finally, a little fish sauce to taste.

TADA!

Masak Lemak Cili Api Prawns

Served with crispy fried salmon topped with shallots and soy sauce. (and rice. of course.)

and a couple of ice cold Innis & Gunn

Nostrovia!!