Konkani Style Kalwanche Tonak Recipe – Oyster Curry

Ingredients

• 330 grams Oysters (use small ones but in case you get big ones, cut them into halves)
• Salt to taste
• 1 Onion sliced
• 2 cloves Garlic
• 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 30 grams Tamarind
• 1/2 cup Fresh coconut grated (use dry coconut if you don't have access to fresh)
• 4 Dry Red Chillies
• 1/2 tablespoon Coriander (Dhania) Seeds
• 5 Whole Black Peppercorns
• 5 cloves Cloves (Laung)
• 1 teaspoon Fennel seeds (Saunf)
• 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder (Haldi)

Steps

1. To begin making the Kalwanche Tonak recipe, heat a tablespoon of oil in a skilletand fry all the dry spices (red chillies, coriander seeds, peppercorns and cloves) except fennel seeds, for a minute or until nice aroma comes out. Make sure that you do not burn the spices.
2. Add onions and garlic fry on medium high heat till they change color and become light brown. Adjust the heat to low.
3. Add grated coconut and fry till coconut turns brown.
4. Add fennel seeds and turmeric powder and fry for 1 more minute.
5. Grind all the fried ingredients with tamarind ball and 1/2 cup water to smooth paste in a grinder.
6. Wash the oysters for 3 to 4 times. If you buy them big, then cut them into halves.
7. Heat a heavy bottom vessel, add this paste into it, and on low heat, let it cook for about 5 minutes.
8. After 5 minutes, add the oysters and a little water, mix and let it come to boil.
9. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 8-10 minutes. Add salt and switch off the stove.
10. Serve this delicious Kanvanche Tonak or Oyster Curry with hot steamed rice for a perfect Konkani lunch or dinner.