SHRIMP AND GREEN BANANA CURRY (FROM THE ISLAND OF MAURITIUS)

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Shrimp and Green Banana Curry (From the Island of Mauritius) image

The food of Mauritius is a fascinating fusion of Chinese, Creole (island), French and Indian cuisine, also with input from South East Asia. France has had a strong influence here, and the main languages are Mauritian Creole and French. The food is either delicate, or spicy and hot. Fruits are used in abundance. This is a simple taste from that far-flung Indian Ocean island, a beloved holiday spot for South Africans. The coral-reef lagoons around most of the island is reminiscent of the Bahamas. I lifted the basic recipe from the local Sunday Times, but I tweaked it. As far as portions go, I always feel it depends on who's eating, and how hungry they are! You decide.

Provided by Zurie

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 23m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

4 tablespoons oil (for frying, you might need more)
1 large onion, sliced
1 tablespoon medium curry (fresh and good quality)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons coriander seeds, crushed
2 teaspoons ginger, finely chopped
2 teaspoons garlic, finely chopped
6 bananas, large, green, peeled and cut into 1-inch slices
1 lb shrimp, peeled, raw weight (can be frozen, but preferably not cooked)
4 curry leaves (or use lemon leaves and bash a little)
4 tomatoes, ripe, peeled, juice pressed out, chopped
1 -2 hot pepper, green, chopped (remove seeds if worried about heat)
1 teaspoon sugar
salt
chopped cilantro, for serving
desiccated coconut, for serving (optional)

Steps:

  • Add cumin to the curry powder, add the wet spices and coriander, and add just a bit of water, to mix to a paste.
  • Fry the onion until transparent. Add the spice mixture, and stir so it fries and the flavour is released. If it's too thick, add a little more water.
  • Add the bananas and stir. Add about 1/2 cup water, cover, and simmer for about 6 minutes.
  • Add the shrimps, curry or lemon leaves, chopped tomato, hot peppers and sugar. Stir over medium heat, turn heat down, and cook about 8 minutes, until bananas are soft and the shrimps pink and curled. Make sure the banana has softened -- this will depend on degree of greenness or ripeness!
  • Taste for seasoning and add salt.
  • Serve over rice and sprinkle over chopped cilantro. Dessicated coconut can be served on the side, or over the dish as well.

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