Chingri Malai Curry
- Yashika Maheshwari
- Oct 18, 2024
- 2 min read
Chingri Malai Curry is a classic Bengali dish made with succulent tiger or freshwater prawns cooked in a rich, creamy coconut-milk sauce. The name "Chingri Malai Curry" has a double meaning: "Malai" refers to the creamy coconut-milk base, but the dish likely originated from Malaysian traders, with "Malaikari" meaning "Malay curry," later adapted as "malai."

Despite its appearance, this curry is surprisingly easy to prepare. A perfect blend of subtle flavors, it brings the essence of Bengal to your table with every bite!
Ingredients for Chingri Malai Curry
P Mark Mustard oil :Â 2 tbsp
Prawns (chingri):Â 500g, cleaned and deveined
Onion:Â 1 medium, finely chopped
Ginger-garlic paste :Â 1 tbsp
Green chilies:Â 2, slit
Turmeric powder:Â 1/2 tsp
Red chili powder:Â 1 tsp
Cumin powder:Â 1/2 tsp
Garam masala powder:Â 1/2 tsp
Coconut milk:Â 1 cup
Water:Â 1/2 cup
Bay leaf:Â 1
Cinnamon stick:Â 1 small stick
Cardamom pods:Â 3-4
Salt:Â To taste
Fresh coriander leaves:Â For garnish
Method for Chingri Malai Curry
In a bowl, marinate the cleaned prawns with turmeric and salt. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
In a pan, heat P Mark Mustard Oil until it starts smoking slightly. Reduce the heat and lightly fry the marinated prawns for 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn golden. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, add bay leaf, cinnamon stick, and cardamom pods. Let them sizzle for a few seconds.
Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies, and cook until the raw smell disappears.
Add cumin powder, red chili powder, and a pinch of turmeric. Stir well and cook for a minute.
Pour in the coconut milk and water, stirring to combine.
Allow the curry to simmer on low heat for 5-6 minutes until the flavors blend.
Add the fried prawns to the curry and let them cook for 4-5 minutes on medium heat.
Sprinkle garam masala on top and give it a final stir. Simmer for another minute.
Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
Your Chingri Malai Curry is ready! Serve hot with steamed basmati rice or luchi (Bengali-style puris).
Stay tuned every Friday for a brand-new recipe! Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, our blog provides step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and exciting ideas to elevate your cooking skills.