Jamie Oliver Prawn Puri Recipe [Tips & Tricks]

I still remember the first time I tried Jamie Oliver’s Prawn Puri recipe. It was at a small dinner party with close friends, and the aroma of spices filling the room instantly pulled everyone into the kitchen. The moment I bit into that crispy puri filled with juicy, flavorful prawns, I knew this dish was something special. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make at home. The perfect balance of crunch, spice, and freshness makes it a standout appetizer or snack for any occasion.

Jamie Oliver’s Prawn Puri Recipe

Jamie’s take on prawn puri is a celebration of textures and flavors. The puri shells are light and crisp, the prawns are marinated in a vibrant mix of spices, and the whole dish has this wonderful hint of tanginess. What makes this recipe stand out is how accessible it is – no fancy ingredients or complicated steps, just pure deliciousness.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you get started:

• For The Puri

  • Whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour (for light and crispy shells)
  • Semolina (adds crunch)
  • Salt
  • Water (to form the dough)
  • Oil (for frying)

• For The Prawn Marinade

  • Fresh prawns (peeled and deveined)
  • Garlic (finely chopped)
  • Ginger (grated)
  • Green chili (optional, finely chopped for heat)
  • Lemon juice (for tang)
  • Turmeric powder
  • Red chili powder
  • Garam masala (a warm spice blend)
  • Salt and pepper
  • Fresh coriander (chopped)

• Optional Extras

  • Yogurt (to tenderize and add creaminess)
  • Chaat masala (for an extra zing)

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Prawn Puri

Let me walk you through the process as if we were cooking side by side:

• Make The Puri Dough

  • Mix the flour, semolina, and salt in a bowl.
  • Slowly add water, kneading into a firm dough.
  • Let it rest for about 20 minutes, covered with a damp cloth.

• Prepare The Prawn Marinade

  • In a mixing bowl, combine prawns with garlic, ginger, chili, lemon juice, turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, salt, pepper, and coriander.
  • Toss well and let the flavors meld for 15-20 minutes.

• Shape And Fry The Puris

  • Divide the dough into small balls.
  • Roll each ball into thin circles, about 3 inches in diameter.
  • Heat oil in a deep pan.
  • Fry each puri until it puffs up and turns golden brown.
  • Drain on paper towels.

• Cook The Prawns

  • In a hot pan, quickly sauté the marinated prawns until just cooked.
  • Avoid overcooking to keep them tender and juicy.

• Assemble

  • Spoon the cooked prawns onto the puris.
  • Garnish with extra coriander or a squeeze of lemon.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Here’s a fun fact about semolina in the puri dough – it’s a coarser type of flour that adds a delightful crunch. Without it, puris might turn out soft or chewy. Semolina’s unique texture and high protein content help create that perfect crispy shell.

As for the prawns, the lemon juice and yogurt in the marinade do more than add flavor. They act as natural tenderizers. The acid gently breaks down the proteins in the prawns, making them soft and succulent instead of rubbery.

And spices like turmeric and chili powder not only boost flavor but have antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, making this dish tasty and nourishing.

Expert Tips

From my own kitchen experiments and Jamie Oliver’s advice, here are some tips to nail this recipe:

• Roll the puris as thin as possible but not paper-thin. Thin puris fry crisp but should hold the filling without breaking.
• Use fresh prawns for the best texture and flavor. Frozen can work but fresh is ideal.
• Don’t skip the resting time for the dough. It helps gluten develop for better elasticity.
• Fry puris on medium-high heat. Too low and they absorb oil, too high and they burn quickly.
• When marinating prawns, keep it brief – 15-20 minutes is perfect to avoid mushy texture.
• Serve immediately after assembly to enjoy the contrast of crispy puris and juicy prawns.

Recipe Variations

Feeling adventurous? Here are some tasty twists:

• Vegetarian Version: Swap prawns with spiced mashed potatoes or chickpeas.
• Spice Level: Add extra green chilies or cayenne powder for heat. Or mellow it down with more yogurt.
• Sweet & Spicy: Drizzle a little honey or tamarind chutney over the prawns for a sweet tang.
• Herbs: Add mint or dill along with coriander for a fresh herbal lift.
• Baking Instead of Frying: For a healthier option, try baking the puris until crisp instead of frying.

Final Words

What makes Jamie Oliver’s Prawn Puri recipe so unforgettable is how it combines simple ingredients into something truly special. The crispy puris, the punchy spiced prawns, and the fresh finishing touches create a dish that feels celebratory. It’s a perfect snack to impress friends or a comforting treat to enjoy anytime.

FAQs

What Is Prawn Puri?

Prawn puri is a delicious Indian dish with prawns cooked in a flavorful spiced sauce and served on a crispy, light puri bread.

What Ingredients Do I Need For Jamie Oliver’s Prawn Puri Recipe?

You’ll need prawns, onions, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, chili, coriander, spices like cumin and turmeric, and some puris.

Can I Use Frozen Prawns For This Recipe?

Yes, frozen prawns work fine. Just make sure they’re properly thawed and patted dry before cooking.

Is The Prawn Puri Spicy?

It can be depending on how much chili you add. You can adjust the spice level to your taste.

Can I Make The Puris From Scratch?

Yes! If you’re up for it, you can make homemade puris with flour, water, and oil. But store-bought puris work just as well!

How Long Does It Take To Make Jamie Oliver’s Prawn Puri?

It takes about 25-30 minutes to prepare and cook the dish.

Can I Use A Different Type Of Seafood For This Recipe?

Definitely! You can swap prawns for fish or even scallops if you prefer.

What Can I Serve With Prawn Puri?

It’s usually served as a starter or appetizer but goes great with a side of rice or a simple salad.

Can I Prepare The Prawn Puri In Advance?

You can prepare the prawn sauce in advance, but it’s best to assemble and serve the puris fresh.

Is Jamie Oliver’s Prawn Puri Recipe Gluten-free?

The puris themselves contain gluten. You can try using gluten-free puris or serve the prawn curry with rice instead.