Tandoori Shrimp in Green Marinade
Photo by James Carrier; written by Amy Machnak
Notes: Garam masala is available in the spice section of many supermarkets; if you cannot find it, substitute 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon each ground cumin and pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon each ground cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, and cayenne.
How to Make It
Step 1
1
In a blender or food processor, whirl cilantro, garlic, ginger, chiles, garam masala, cumin, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne into a smooth paste, adding 1/3 to 1/2 cup water as needed to facilitate blending. Taste and add more cayenne, if desired. Scrape into a bowl.
Step 2
2
Shortly before serving, rinse shrimp; drain well. Add to marinade with oil and salt; mix well. Thread shrimp onto 6 to 8 metal skewers, piercing them through the center so they lie flat in a row.
Step 3
3
Lay shrimp skewers on an oiled grill over a solid bed of hot coals or over high heat on a gas grill (you can hold your hand at grill level only 2 to 3 seconds); close lid. Cook, turning once, until shrimp are opaque but still moist-looking in center of thickest part (cut to test), 3 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a platter and serve with lime wedges and mint chutney.
Step 4
4
Ground toasted cumin: In a 6- to 8-inch frying pan over medium heat, stir 2 tablespoons cumin seeds often until lightly toasted, 2 to 4 minutes. Whirl in a blender until finely ground. Makes about 2 tablespoons.
Ingredients
1 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
10 cloves garlic, peeled
1/3 cup coarsely chopped fresh ginger
3 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh serrano chiles
1 tablespoon garam masala (see notes)
1 tablespoon ground toasted cumin (directions follow)
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
2 1/2 to 3 pounds shrimp (8 to 12 per lb.), shelled and deveined
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon salt
Lime wedges
Directions
Step 1
1
In a blender or food processor, whirl cilantro, garlic, ginger, chiles, garam masala, cumin, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne into a smooth paste, adding 1/3 to 1/2 cup water as needed to facilitate blending. Taste and add more cayenne, if desired. Scrape into a bowl.
Step 2
2
Shortly before serving, rinse shrimp; drain well. Add to marinade with oil and salt; mix well. Thread shrimp onto 6 to 8 metal skewers, piercing them through the center so they lie flat in a row.
Step 3
3
Lay shrimp skewers on an oiled grill over a solid bed of hot coals or over high heat on a gas grill (you can hold your hand at grill level only 2 to 3 seconds); close lid. Cook, turning once, until shrimp are opaque but still moist-looking in center of thickest part (cut to test), 3 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a platter and serve with lime wedges and mint chutney.
Step 4
4
Ground toasted cumin: In a 6- to 8-inch frying pan over medium heat, stir 2 tablespoons cumin seeds often until lightly toasted, 2 to 4 minutes. Whirl in a blender until finely ground. Makes about 2 tablespoons.
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