The creamy, delicately spiced Prawn Moilee is a coastal treasure from Kerala, India. Made with fresh prawns simmered in silky coconut milk infused with aromatic curry leaves, mustard seeds, and green chilies, this dish strikes a beautiful balance between rich flavor and subtle heat.
Perfect for seafood lovers and curry enthusiasts alike, Prawn Moilee is both nourishing and quick to prepare. It’s a gateway to South Indian cooking, ideal for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings. Serve it with warm basmati rice or soft appams, and let the tropical essence of Kerala transport you.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
For Marinating the Prawns:
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1.5 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
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1 Tbsp ginger, finely chopped
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp turmeric
For the Curry:
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3 Tbsp oil or ghee (divided)
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1/2 tsp mustard seeds
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12-14 fresh curry leaves
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1 green chili (jalapeño or serrano), slit
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1 medium onion, sliced
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6oz cherry tomatoes or 1 large Roma tomato, sliced
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1 tsp coriander powder
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1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
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Chopped cilantro, for garnish
Directions:
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In a bowl, combine prawns with ginger, turmeric, and salt. Let marinate for 30 minutes while you prep the other ingredients.
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Heat 1 Tbsp oil in a large pan. Sauté prawns for 2-3 minutes, until they just begin to curl. Remove and set aside.
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In the same pan, heat remaining 2 Tbsp oil. Add mustard seeds and let them pop.
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Add curry leaves and chili, sauté until fragrant.
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Add sliced onion and cook for 7-8 minutes until lightly golden.
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Add tomatoes, salt, and coriander powder. Cook until tomatoes soften completely.
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Return prawns to the pan and cook for 1 minute.
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Reduce heat to low and stir in coconut milk. Simmer for 5-6 minutes, or until prawns are fully cooked.
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Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with basmati rice or appam.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 453 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Flavor Profile and Key Components
What sets Prawn Moilee apart from many other Indian curries is its unique flavor profile. It’s milder than most curries, making it approachable even for those who aren’t fond of fiery spice. The combination of coconut milk with fragrant curry leaves, mustard seeds, and subtle heat from green chilies creates a dish that is both aromatic and soothing. It provides a creamy mouthfeel without being overly heavy, striking a balance between rich and refreshing.
The key to the dish lies in the layering of flavors. It starts with a brief marination of the prawns using turmeric, ginger, and salt. This not only seasons the prawns but also helps eliminate any strong seafood odor. The curry itself is built by tempering mustard seeds and curry leaves in oil or ghee, which releases their essential oils and creates a fragrant base. Onions are slowly sautéed to bring out their natural sweetness, followed by ripe tomatoes and a gentle dusting of coriander powder. The addition of coconut milk transforms the dish, providing a creamy, slightly sweet backbone that complements the prawns beautifully.
Why Prawn Moilee Is Special
Prawn Moilee is more than just a seafood curry—it’s an experience. Its light yet deeply satisfying nature makes it stand out in a cuisine often associated with bold and complex spice blends. This dish appeals to a broad range of palates due to its subtle heat and creamy texture, making it ideal for both Indian food novices and seasoned spice lovers.
It’s also a dish that offers a glimpse into Kerala’s historical openness to global influences. With the fusion of Indian spices and coconut milk, combined with the method of light stewing common in European and Portuguese cooking, Prawn Moilee is a dish that tells the story of centuries of cultural exchange.
The beauty of the dish lies in its simplicity. With minimal spices, it allows the core ingredients—fresh prawns and creamy coconut milk—to shine. Unlike some other Indian dishes that require extensive preparation and long cooking times, Prawn Moilee is relatively quick and easy to prepare, making it a popular choice for both weeknight dinners and festive occasions.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
Prawn Moilee is incredibly versatile when it comes to pairing. Traditionally, it’s served with steamed basmati rice, which acts as the perfect neutral base to soak up the flavorful curry. For a more authentic Kerala experience, it can be paired with appam—a soft and lacy rice pancake—or idiyappam, which are steamed rice noodles. These accompaniments add texture and elevate the overall meal.
It also pairs well with a side of simple sautéed greens or a cucumber raita, which adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the coconut milk. A lime wedge on the side can provide a citrusy brightness that enhances the complexity of the dish.
For beverages, light and aromatic white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling complement the subtle flavors of the curry without overpowering them. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a chilled coconut water or a mildly spiced buttermilk (known as “moru” in South India) fits beautifully with the theme.
Nutritional Profile and Health Benefits
Despite its luxurious taste, Prawn Moilee is surprisingly healthy. Prawns are a low-fat, high-protein source of essential nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and iodine. Coconut milk, though rich in fat, contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that may support metabolism and provide quick energy.
The use of turmeric adds anti-inflammatory properties, while ginger aids digestion and boosts immunity. The minimal use of oil or ghee, and the absence of heavy cream or butter, makes this curry a lighter alternative compared to some Northern Indian dishes.
In addition to being gluten-free, it can also be made dairy-free and paleo-friendly with minor adjustments, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary needs.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Prawn Moilee
To get the most out of this dish, choosing quality ingredients is key. Fresh or frozen prawns that are deveined and properly cleaned will yield the best results. Avoid overcooking the prawns, as they can become rubbery. They should just start to curl and turn opaque before being removed from the heat.
Curry leaves are a critical component and should not be omitted—they provide an earthy, slightly citrusy aroma that defines the dish. These can typically be found fresh or frozen at Indian grocery stores.
Using full-fat coconut milk ensures a rich and creamy curry. If you prefer a lighter version, you can dilute it with a small amount of water or use light coconut milk, but the flavor may not be as deep.
For those who enjoy a little more heat, consider adding a second chili or switching to Thai bird’s eye chilies. Just be cautious, as their spice level is significantly higher.
Prawn Moilee in Modern Kitchens
As Indian cuisine continues to gain global popularity, dishes like Prawn Moilee have found a place in modern home kitchens and gourmet restaurants alike. The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability. Whether you’re cooking a simple family meal or preparing a dinner party spread, Prawn Moilee delivers elegance with ease.
It’s also a great introduction to Indian cooking for those who are just starting. The use of fewer spices compared to traditional Indian recipes makes it less intimidating for beginners, while still providing a depth of flavor that impresses even seasoned cooks.
Home cooks can experiment with variations, such as substituting prawns with fish fillets, mussels, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Some even add a handful of vegetables like baby spinach or green beans to add more texture and nutrition.
Conclusion
Prawn Moilee is a celebration of Kerala’s rich coastal traditions and a testament to the region’s ability to harmoniously blend bold spices with soothing coconut milk. It’s a dish that’s deeply rooted in culture yet flexible enough to fit modern kitchens and contemporary tastes.
Whether you’re new to Indian food or a long-time lover of curry, Prawn Moilee offers an inviting, flavorful journey through one of the most beloved cuisines in the world. Light yet indulgent, simple yet refined, it exemplifies the kind of soulful cooking that has stood the test of time.
Perfect for cozy family dinners or special gatherings, this dish continues to delight palates across continents. So the next time you’re craving something exotic yet comforting, let Prawn Moilee transport you straight to the tropical backwaters of Kerala.