Fiery Indian Shrimp Curry

Special equipment
Mortar and pestle or spice mill

Ingredients

serves Serves 4, active time 25 minutes, total time 45 minutes

• For the Spice Blend:
• 1 teaspoon coriander seed
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1/2 teaspoon cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon whole mustard seeds
• 3 to 4 coriander pods
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
•  
• For the Curry:
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 6 serrano chiles, stemmed and sliced lengthwise
• 5 garlic cloves, finely chopped (about 5 teaspoons)
• 1 tablespoon peeled ginger, minced
• 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
• Kosher salt
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can coconut milk
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 cup homemade or store-bought low sodium chicken broth
• 2 pounds raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh tomatoes
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro
• 3 cups cooked white rice

Procedures

1. For the Spice Blend: Heat a heavy skillet over medium heat and gently toast coriander seeds, cumin seeds, peppercorns, cloves, mustard seeds, and cardamom pods, leaving seeds in the pods. Remove from heat when fragrant, about 1 minute. Remove cardamom seeds from pods and discard pods. Transfer toasted spices to a mortar and add ground ginger, cinnamon and turmeric. Grind into a fine blend using a pestle. Alternately, use a spice mill or coffee grinder to get grind.
   
2. For the Curry: Heat oil in a medium stockpot over medium heat until shimmering. Add chiles, garlic, ginger, and onion, and cook, stirring until fragrant and chiles and onions start to soften, about 1 minute. Reduce heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons curry blend and 1 teaspoon salt, coconut milk, yogurt and chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
   
3. Add shrimp and cook, uncovered, stirring, until just cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes. Add tomatoes and heat through. Taste and adjust seasonings, as needed. Remove and discard bay leaves. Season to taste with more curry blend and salt. Sprinkle with cilantro leaves and serve immediately with rice.