Fried Squid Curry

Fried squid curry is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines tender squid rings with a rich and spicy curry sauce. The squid is quickly cooked in oil until it turns white and is just cooked through, then it is transferred to a homemade curry sauce that simmers to perfection. The curry sauce is made with a blend of onions, garlic, curry leaves, spices, coconut milk, and lime juice, resulting in a creamy and fragrant sauce that complements the squid beautifully. Finished with a touch of brown sugar for balance, this fried squid curry is a delightful seafood dish that can be served with rice or bread for a satisfying meal.

INGREDIENTS:

For the curry sauce:

• 2 small onions, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 8 curry leaves
• 7cm/3in piece of cinnamon stick, broken in half
• 1 lemon grass stalk, tough outer layer removed, bruised
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon chilli powder
• 1 tablespoon Sri Lankan curry powder
• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
• 600ml/1pt coconut milk
• Salt

For the fried squid:

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 900g/2lb small squid, cleaned and cut into 2.5cm/1in rings
• 1 teaspoon soft brown sugar

PREPARATION:

1. In a heavy saucepan, combine all the ingredients for the curry sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 45 minutes until the sauce is thickened.
2. Heat half of the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add half of the squid rings and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the squid turns white and is just cooked. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked squid to the curry sauce. Repeat the process with the remaining oil and squid.
3. Stir the soft brown sugar into the curry sauce with the squid. Simmer the curry gently for 5 minutes to heat through and allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt if necessary.
4. Serve the fried squid curry hot, accompanied by steamed rice or bread.

YIELD:

• Serves 4-6

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Ensure that the squid is cleaned thoroughly, removing the innards and the transparent cartilage.
• Adjust the amount of chilli powder according to your preferred level of spiciness.
• Bruise the lemon grass stalk by lightly crushing it with a knife or the back of a spoon to release its flavor.
• The curry sauce can be made in advance and reheated before adding the squid.

TIPS:

• Serve the fried squid curry with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to add some freshness and balance to the dish.
• Garnish the curry with fresh cilantro leaves or a squeeze of lime juice before serving for added freshness and tanginess.
• You can substitute other types of seafood, such as prawns or fish, for the squid if desired. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are cooked through.
• Experiment with different spices and herbs, such as fenugreek or curry leaves, to customize the flavors of the curry sauce.

Fried squid curry is a delicious seafood dish that brings together tender squid rings with a flavorful and aromatic curry sauce. The squid is quickly cooked until tender and then simmered in a homemade curry sauce, which is made with a blend of onions, garlic, spices, and coconut milk. The resulting dish is a perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and sweetness, with the brown sugar adding a touch of caramelized flavor. Serve this fried squid curry with rice or bread for a satisfying and flavorful meal that will delight seafood lovers and curry enthusiasts alike.