Shrimp Poached in Coconut Milk with Fresh Herbs (Yerra Moolee)

2 pounds shrimp, preferably large to medium (about 28–32 shrimp per pound)

7 tsp. light vegetable oil

2 C. finely chopped onions

2 tsp. minced garlic

1 1/2 tsp. ground or crushed fresh ginger root

2 green chilies, or more, to taste, seeded and minced

1/4 tsp. turmeric

2 tsp. ground coriander

3 C. coconut milk

1 1/2 tsp. Kosher salt

2 tsp. minced fresh cilantro (or substitute 1 tsp. dry cilantro leaves)

 

Shell and devein shrimp. Wash them thoroughly, and set aside. Heat the oil in a large heavy-bottomed pan, and add onions. Over high heat, fry the onions until they turn golden brown (about 10 minutes) , stirring constantly to prevent burning. Reduce heat to medium, add garlic, ginger, and chilies, and fry for an additional 2 minutes. Add turmeric and coriander, stir rapidly for 15 seconds, and add coconut milk and salt. Cook the sauce, uncovered, until it thickens (about 10 minutes). Stir frequently to ensure that the sauce does not stick and burn. Add shrimp, mix, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer, covered, for 5–7 minutes, or until the shrimp is cooked through. Do not overcook the shrimp, or they will become tough and chewy. Check for salt, stir in minced cilantro leaves, and serve.  Note: This dish has a lot of gravy and must be served with rice. Best, of course, is plain cooked rice; then all the flavors can be enjoyed without any interference from the pilaf spices.