Shrimp Masala Recipe

1 tablespoon corn oil

2 to 3 small pieces cinnamon stick

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

¼ teaspoon fennel seeds

1 teaspoon urad dal

¾ cup chopped onion

¼ cup chopped tomato

4 to 5 cloves garlic, chopped

1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger

1 pound fresh shrimp, peeled and washed

½ teaspoon turmeric powder

½ teaspoon curry powder

¼ cup tomato sauce

½ teaspoon cayenne powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper and cumin powder

¼ cup chopped fresh coriander

Place oil in an iron skillet over medium heat.  When oil is hot, but not smoking, add cinnamon stick, cumin, fennel, and uradd dal.  Fry until spices are golden brown.  Add onion, tomato, garlic, and ginger.  Stir-fry for a few minutes.  Add shrimp and cook with the seasonings for a minute.  Stir in turmeric powder and curry powder.  Cook until shrimp turn pink.

Add tomato sauce, cayenne powder, salt, and black pepper and cumin powder.  Blend well and simmer for a few minutes.  Add coriander and stir-fry, uncovered, for an additional few minutes.  (Shrimp is delicious when allowed to absorb the flavour of the seasoned sauce while stir-frying over medium heat).