Shrimp Patia

This past Wednesday was Navroze, which is the first day of a new year for us Zoroastrians. We have a lot of traditions for Navroze and of course, some of them revolve around food. Growing up at home, we always had to eat Patia or Fried Fish on Navroze, with a plain (mora) dal and white rice. Fish is considered to be a symbol of good luck and protection from evil. Now, I’m not sure if we eat prawn/ shrimp on that day for the same reason, or if the stuff is just too tasty to pass up; either way, we always eat one or the other. This recipe can be made with prawns/ shrimp or fish.

200 gms raw shrimp, shell removed

3-4 whole peppercorns

2-3 whole cloves

1 2” stick of cinnamon

1 tsp (heaped) cumin seeds

2 medium onions, finely chopped

2-3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

2-3 dry red chilies, broken into pieces

Salt to taste

½ tsp chili powder

A pinch of turmeric powder

1 tbsp sugar

1 tbsp white vinegar

2-3 tbsp oil

In a pot, heat the oil on a medium-low flame. When hot, add the onions. Fry until golden brown. Next add the garlic, and fry for a minute or so. Now put in the turmeric and chili powders, and salt, stir and immediately add the peppercorns, cinnamon, cloves, red chilies, and cumin seeds. Cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. When the raw smells of the spices have gone, add the shrimp. Stir it in well, and cook till they are almost done. Mix in the vinegar and sugar, and simmer for 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp is completely cooked. Serve hot with mora dal and rice. 

Notes:

*I use frozen shrimp, thawed before removing the shell, however, if you do get fresh shrimp or prawns I suggest you buy those.