Spiced Shrimp Balls with Fragrant Rice

Ingredients

In this adaptation, we have incorporated Navyath Muslim flavors into the original Italian dish. The use of fragrant spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves in the rice adds a distinct aroma and taste. Additionally, the spices used in the shrimp balls have been adjusted to align with the flavor preferences of Navyath Muslim cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Polpette di gamberi, so you can check it out.

• For the shrimp balls: For the shrimp balls:
• 500g (1.1 lb) shrimp, peeled and deveined 500g (1.1 lb) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying Vegetable oil for frying
• For the fragrant rice: For the fragrant rice:
• 2 cups (400g) basmati rice 2 cups (400g) basmati rice
• 4 cups (950ml) water 4 cups (950ml) water
• 2 cinnamon sticks 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4 green cardamom pods 4 green cardamom pods
• 4 cloves 4 cloves
• Salt to taste Salt to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 55g, 1g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a food processor, pulse the shrimp until coarsely ground.
2. 2.
   In a bowl, combine the ground shrimp, chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well.
3. 3.
   Shape the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.
4. 4.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Fry the shrimp balls until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
5. 5.
   Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
6. 6.
   In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the rinsed rice, cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, cloves, and salt. Stir well.
7. 7.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the rice simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed.
8. 8.
   Remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
9. 9.
   Fluff the rice with a fork and remove the cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, and cloves.
10. 10.
    Serve the fragrant rice with the spiced shrimp balls.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Shrimp — Make sure to devein the shrimp properly before using them in the recipe to ensure a clean and pleasant texture.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a spicier version, increase the amount of red chili powder according to your taste.
• Serve the dish with a side of cucumber raita or mint chutney for a refreshing contrast to the spices.
• You can also add some chopped fresh cilantro as a garnish for added freshness.

Serving advice

Serve the fragrant rice with the spiced shrimp balls as the main course. Accompany it with a side of cucumber raita or mint chutney for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the fragrant rice on a platter and place the golden brown shrimp balls on top. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color. Serve it family-style, allowing everyone to help themselves to the delicious combination of fragrant rice and spiced shrimp balls.