I remember the first time I tried Jamie Oliver’s Prawn Puri. I had just moved into my first apartment, and cooking was still a bit of a mystery. But something about Jamie’s recipes always made cooking feel approachable. So, I decided to try his prawn puri. The excitement of making something bold and flavorful, paired with the feeling of accomplishing something from scratch, made it feel like I had cracked the code. It turned out perfectly. Light crispy puris and perfectly seasoned prawns. That dish has stuck with me ever since.
If you’re someone who enjoys vibrant flavors and bold textures, this dish is a winner. It brings together juicy prawns and soft puris, all drizzled with a spicy-sweet sauce. You can serve it as a snack, a light meal, or even a party starter. Let’s dive into the magic behind Jamie Oliver’s prawn puri.
Jamie Oliver’s Prawn Puri Recipe
Jamie’s take on prawn puri is fresh, simple, and full of flair. It combines Indian street food with his unique twist of flavor and ease. He’s known for making things simple yet exciting. And with this recipe, he really nails that balance.
Jamie doesn’t complicate the process. He strips down the flavors to their core and plays with textures that pop in every bite. Here’s what you’ll be doing: making crispy puris from scratch, cooking prawns with a beautiful spice blend, and assembling the dish with fresh herbs and tangy chutney.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to gather for this dish. Don’t worry-it’s a simple list of ingredients. You’ll find most of these in your pantry, with maybe a few fresh items to grab from the store.
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For The Puris
- Plain flour (for the crispy dough)
- Semolina (adds that light, crisp texture)
- Baking powder (helps the puris puff up)
- Warm water (to bind the dough)
- Oil (for frying)
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For The Prawn Filling
- Fresh prawns (big, juicy, and peeled)
- Ginger and garlic (essential for a rich base)
- Ground coriander and cumin (for that warm, earthy flavor)
- Fresh green chili (adds a little heat)
- Turmeric (for color and that signature taste)
- Lemon juice (a bit of tang)
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
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For Chutney
- Tamarind paste (sweet and tangy)
- Jaggery or brown sugar (sweet balance)
- Spices (a pinch of chili powder and cumin)
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Prawn Puri
This part is where the magic happens. Making prawn puri is actually surprisingly easy and totally worth the effort.
Step 1: Prepare The Puris
- Start by mixing the plain flour, semolina, and baking powder. Slowly add warm water and knead it into a smooth dough.
- Let the dough rest for about 20 minutes. This helps the gluten relax and makes the puris easier to roll out.
- Heat oil in a deep pan while you roll the dough into small balls and flatten them into thin discs.
- Fry the puris until they puff up and turn golden. Keep them aside on paper towels to drain the excess oil.
Step 2: Cook The Prawns
- Heat a little oil in a pan and sauté garlic, ginger, and green chili until fragrant.
- Add the prawns, and let them cook for just a couple of minutes. You want them tender, not rubbery.
- Toss in the spices-coriander, cumin, turmeric-and stir until the prawns are coated evenly. Squeeze lemon juice on top for some fresh zest.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Step 3: Assemble The Dish
- Carefully spoon some prawn mixture onto the crispy puris. Drizzle with tamarind chutney for that perfect sweet-and-sour punch.
- Serve immediately while the puris are warm and crispy!
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Each of these ingredients has its own science that makes this recipe sing. Let’s break them down:
- Semolina in puris: Semolina gives puris a special texture. When mixed with flour and water, it helps the dough become firmer and more crisp. It absorbs less oil during frying, giving the puris their signature lightness.
- Prawns: The science behind prawns is all about timing. Overcook them, and they turn rubbery. Cook them too little, and they’re slimy. The right amount of heat allows them to release their natural sweetness, becoming juicy and perfectly tender.
- Tamarind chutney: Tamarind’s sourness balances the sweetness of the jaggery. The complexity of the tamarind’s flavors plays off the other spices in the dish, creating that satisfying tang.
Expert Tips
As someone who’s made this dish more times than I can count, I can share a few tips that will help elevate your cooking experience:
- Rest the dough: Don’t rush this step. Resting the dough allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out and ensuring the puris puff up perfectly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: When frying the puris, fry them in batches. If you overcrowd the pan, they won’t puff up as well.
- Use fresh prawns: Fresh prawns make a massive difference. Frozen prawns tend to release excess water, which can make the dish soggy.
- Chutney is key: Don’t skip the tamarind chutney! It’s not just a garnish, it’s an integral part of the flavor profile.
Recipe Variations
Once you master the basic prawn puri, here are a few variations you can try:
- Vegetarian Puri: Swap out the prawns for a mix of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, peas, and potatoes.
- Spicy Version: Add a bit more chili powder or fresh green chili to crank up the heat.
- Add a crunchy topping: For an extra layer of texture, top the puris with a bit of crispy fried onions or crushed peanuts.
Final Words
Jamie’s prawn puri recipe is one of those dishes that’s deceptively simple but packed with flavor. It’s a perfect example of how you don’t need complex ingredients to make something delicious. The combination of crispy puris, juicy prawns, and tangy chutney is unbeatable.
If you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this dish can fit anyone’s skill level. And the beauty of it is you can play around with the flavors, textures, and toppings to make it your own.
FAQs
What Is Jamie Oliver’s Prawn Puri Recipe?
It’s a flavorful dish featuring prawns cooked in a spiced tomato sauce, served on crispy puris, typically as a starter or appetizer.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Prawn Puri Recipe Without Puris?
Yes, you can serve the prawn mixture with naan bread or rice instead of puris.
Is Jamie Oliver’s Prawn Puri Recipe Spicy?
It has a mild spice level but you can adjust the heat by adding more chili or using a milder curry powder.