Indian Spiced Shrimp

Total Time: 51 mins Preparation Time: 45 mins Cook Time: 6 mins

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon split peas, yellow
• 1 tablespoon coriander seed
• 1 teaspoon cumin seed
• 1/4 teaspoon peppercorn, black
• 1 medium pepper, red chile, dried, such as thai, cayenne or 1 medium arbol chile
• 2 tablespoons cilantro, fresh, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon tamarind paste
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 lb shrimp, raw, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon oil, canola
• 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
• 1/4 cup shallot, minced
• 1/2 cup water

Recipe

• 1 1. toast split peas, coriander, cumin, peppercorns and chile in a large skillet over medium heat, shaking the pan occasionally, until the peas turn reddish brown, the spices become fragrant and the chile blackens slightly, 2 to 3 minutes. transfer to a plate to cool for 3 to 5 minutes.
• 2 2. grind in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle until the mixture is the texture of finely ground black pepper.
• 3 3. combine cilantro, tamarind concentrate (or lime juice), salt and the spice blend in a medium bowl. add shrimp and turn to coat. cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. (do not marinate for more than 2 hours or the acidity in the tamarind will affect the shrimp's texture.).
• 4 4. heat oil in the pan over medium-high heat; add mustard seeds. when the seeds begin to pop, cover the skillet. as soon as the popping stops, add shallots and the shrimp in a single layer and cook until the undersides of the shrimp turn salmon-pink, 1 to 2 minutes. turn the shrimp and cook until the other side is pink, 1 to 2 minutes.
• 5 5. add water and continue cooking for 1 minute. serve immediately.