Kalonji Jhinga (Paprika-Marinated Tiger Prawns)

Serves 4 people

Prep Time 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating)

Cook Time 6 minutes

Ingredients

  • 500g raw tiger prawns, peeled and deveined
  • 150g plain yoghurt
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice (about 30ml)
  • 1 tbsp sweet paprika (about 8g)
  • 1 tsp hot paprika (about 3g)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin (about 3g)
  • 1 tsp ground coriander (about 3g)
  • 1 tsp kalonji (nigella) seeds (about 3g)
  • 2 cloves garlic (about 7g), minced
  • 1 tsp salt (about 5g)
  • 1 tbsp sunflower oil (about 15ml)

Method

  1. Make the marinade
    In a bowl, combine yoghurt, lemon juice, both paprikas, cumin, coriander, kalonji seeds, garlic, and salt. Mix until smooth.
  2. Marinate the prawns
    Add prawns to the bowl, stirring to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  3. Cook the prawns
    Heat oil in a large frying pan or griddle over high heat. Cook prawns for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and lightly charred.
  4. Serve
    Serve hot with a fresh squeeze of lemon and garnish with chopped coriander leaves if desired.

Chef’s Note

For extra smokiness, thread prawns onto skewers and grill over charcoal instead of pan-frying.