Serves 2–4

Ingredients
500g protein or vegetables (such as prawns, fish, crab, chicken, tofu or mixed vegetables)
2 tbsp oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1–2 green chillies, sliced
1 medium tomato, chopped
2 tbsp East Indian bottle masala
2 tsp garlic paste¼ tsp turmeric powder
2 tsp tamarind pulp OR 1 tbsp white vinegar
400ml coconut milk
Salt to taste

Method

• Mix protein or vegetables with turmeric powder and a little salt and set aside for 10 minutes.
• Heat oil in a pan and cook onions until deep golden brown.
• Add garlic paste and green chillies. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add tomato and cook until soft and jammy.
• Stir in bottle masala and tamarind pulp or white vinegar. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and slightly roasted.
• Pour in coconut milk and bring to a gentle simmer for 5–7 minutes.
• Add your choice of protein or vegetables and cook until done. Here are some approximate timings, but simmer until the protein is fully cooked: prawns take about 4–5 minutes, fish 6–8 minutes, crab 12–15 minutes, chicken 18–20 minutes, and tofu or vegetables until tender.
  
• Serve hot with rice and soft fresh bread.

Serves 3–4

Ingredients
500g peeled prawns
3 tbsp oil
1 large onion, sliced
1 green capsicum, sliced
2 green chillies, sliced
1 tomato, chopped
2 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped (optional)
2 tbsp bottle masala
1 tsp ginger paste
1 tsp garlic paste
¼ tsp turmeric powder
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp white vinegar
2–3 tbsp water
Salt to taste
Pinch sugar (optional)
Lime wedges, to serve

Method

• Heat 1½ tbsp oil in a pan and cook prawns for 1–2 minutes per side until just cooked. Remove and set aside.
• Add remaining oil to the pan. Cook onions for 2–3 minutes until lightly softened. Add ginger and garlic paste and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add capsicum and green chillies and cook on high heat for 2–3 minutes.
• Stir in bottle masala, turmeric, tomato paste, vinegar, water, salt and optional sugar. Cook until thick and glossy.
• Add tomatoes, optional coriander and cooked prawns. Toss together for 1–2 minutes until coated well.
• Serve hot with lemon wedges, fresh bread, rice.