Rasoi Buddy
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Prawn Balchao

Prawn Balchao

Images on Rasoi Buddy are for illustrative purposes only and may not represent the exact appearance of the final dish.

Prawn Balchao is a fiery and tangy Goan pickle-style curry that reflects the Portuguese influence on Indian coastal cuisine. This bold dish features prawns cooked in a thick, dark red paste made from dried red chilies, vinegar, and a blend of warm spices like cloves and cinnamon. The use of sugar balances the intense acidity, creating a multi-dimensional flavor profile that is both sharp and savory. Its texture is rich and oily, allowing it to be stored like a preserve for several days. This dish is a celebrated specialty of Goa and is best enjoyed with plain boiled rice or crusty Goan bread.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Servings4 People
DifficultyHard
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Ingredients

500g Small Prawns, cleaned
10-12 Dry Red chilies, soaked in vinegar
1/2 cup Malt Vinegar
1 tbsp Cumin seeds
6-8 Cloves
1 inch Cinnamon stick
2 large Onions, finely chopped
1 tbsp Ginger-Garlic paste
1 tsp Turmeric powder
1 tsp Sugar
1/2 cup Oil
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Cooking Instructions

Tips & Secrets

  • Using malt vinegar or palm vinegar is the secret to the authentic Goan sharp tang.
  • The dish tastes even better after 24 hours as the prawns absorb the pickle flavors.
  • Do not add any water to this dish; the vinegar and oil act as the primary cooking liquids.
  • Caramelizing the onions properly provides the deep color and sweetness required.

Nutritional Information(Per 200g)

Calories

340 kcal

Protein

16g

Fat

24g

Carbs

12g

Note: Nutritional values are professional estimates per standard serving (~200-250g / ml) and may vary based on ingredient quality and preparation methods.