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Durban-Style Prawn Curry with Coconut Milk

This South African prawn curry combines coconut milk, warming spices, and the rich food culture of Indian South Africans. Perfect for a cozy seafood dinner, this curry celebrates the vibrant flavors of Durban’s Indian community.

Learn more about the history of Indian cooking in Africa and how cultural exchange shaped local flavors.

Rich, aromatic prawn curry with coconut milk — a Durban classic.

Ingredients

• 6 fresh prawns, cleaned and shelled
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon coriander seed
• 1 teaspoon poppy seed
• 1 teaspoon cumin seed
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• 2 tablespoons lime juice

Directions

1. In a large fry pan over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add onions and spices; cook until lightly browned.
2. Add the prawns and pour in coconut milk. Simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Finish with lime juice and adjust salt to taste. Serve hot with steamed rice or roti.

Did You Know?

• Durban is home to the largest Indian population in Africa — over one million people of Indian descent.
• The first Indians arrived in 1684 under Dutch colonial rule and later as indentured workers in the 1800s.
• Durban’s famous curries blend Indian spices with South African seafood and coconut milk.

More African Recipes to Try

• Curried Tanzanian Coconut Okra
• Senegalese Chicken Vermicelli
• Yedoro Stir-Fried Ethiopian Chicken
• Caldo Verde Portuguese Kale Soup
• Air Fryer Black-Eyed Pea Dumpling Stew

For more Durban-style seafood inspiration, explore African seafood and curry recipes.