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I remember my grandmother, Acha, always saying that the best food tells a story. Growing up in Kerala, India, every dish was an experience, a memory waiting to happen. This Malabar Prawn Pizza? It's my attempt to bottle up those memories and share them with you. It's about taking the familiar comfort of pizza and infusing it with the vibrant, unforgettable tastes of my childhood. Maybe you think, 'Prawns on pizza? Really?' Trust me, one bite, and you'll be hooked! It's a surprising symphony of sweet, spicy, and savory that just... works. I once served this at a friend's party, and it was gone in minutes! Everyone wanted the recipe, and now, I'm sharing it with you. Get ready for a flavor adventure!
The secret, of course, lies in the marinade. We're talking about a blend of ginger, garlic, green chilies, turmeric, and a touch of coconut milk. This isn't just throwing some flavors together; it's about creating a harmony, a balance that elevates the prawns from simple seafood to a culinary centerpiece. And let’s not forget the toppings! A sprinkle of coconut flakes and fresh cilantro after baking adds a layer of aroma and texture that's simply divine. You can even add a dash of lime juice for an extra zing! This isn't your average Friday night pizza; it's a journey, a conversation starter, a little piece of Kerala on a plate.
Required Equipments
Mixing Bowl
Pizza Stone or Baking Sheet
Oven
Chopping Board
Knife
Measuring Spoons and Cups
Sizzling Malabar Prawn Pizza: A Taste of Coastal India on a Crust: Frequently Asked Questions
Sizzling Malabar Prawn Pizza: A Taste of Coastal India on a Crust
Bring the exotic flavors of coastal India to your kitchen with this Sizzling Malabar Prawn Pizza. Featuring succulent prawns marinated in aromatic spices and a hint of coconut, this pizza is a delightful fusion of culinary traditions.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:1 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
First, let's get those prawns ready. In a bowl, combine 1 pound of peeled and deveined prawns with 1 tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste, 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1-2 finely chopped green chilies (adjust to your spice preference!), 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder, the juice of 1/2 a lime, and 2 tablespoons of coconut milk. Mix it all together really well, making sure every prawn is coated in that flavorful mixture. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. The longer, the better – those flavors need time to mingle and get cozy!
While the prawns are marinating, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Now's a good time to get your pizza stone or baking sheet ready. If you have a pizza stone, that's ideal for a crispy crust. If not, a baking sheet works just fine. Just lightly grease it with some olive oil to prevent sticking.
Now for the pizza base. You can use store-bought pizza dough or make your own if you're feeling ambitious. If you're using store-bought, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before stretching it out. This makes it easier to handle. On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll out the dough to your desired thickness and shape. I prefer a slightly thinner crust, but it’s all about personal preference. Then carefully transfer the dough to your prepared baking sheet or pizza stone.
Time for the sauce! Instead of traditional tomato sauce, we're going for a lighter, brighter base. Spread a thin layer of your favorite pesto sauce over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edge for the crust. Pesto pairs amazingly well with the Malabar flavors – trust me on this one!
Now, arrange the marinated prawns evenly over the pesto sauce. Don't overcrowd the pizza; you want each prawn to cook nicely and get a little crispy. If you have some leftover marinade, you can drizzle a tiny bit over the prawns for extra flavor.
Sprinkle about 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the prawns. If you want an extra layer of flavor, add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese too. It's all about building those delicious layers!
Pop the pizza into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Keep an eye on it, as oven temperatures can vary.
Once the pizza is out of the oven, sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes and freshly chopped cilantro over the top. A little squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a final burst of flavor that really brings everything together.
Let the pizza cool for a minute or two before slicing and serving. And there you have it – a Sizzling Malabar Prawn Pizza that's sure to impress! Enjoy!
📝 Notes
Adjust the amount of green chilies to your preferred spice level.
For a richer flavor, use homemade pesto sauce.
If you don't have coconut flakes, you can skip them or use shredded coconut.