Quick Shrimp Dish Is Hot, Sweet

The Bengalis, who give Calcutta its culinary accent, are such dedicated fish lovers that they buy live shrimp and prawns to assure the freshest taste for their dishes, according to Copeland Marks, author of “The Varied Kitchens of India.”

Whether you get shrimp alive or dead, you’ll love the flavor of Shrimp With Coconut Milk and Cashew Rice, a variation of one of Marks’ recipes. This astonishingly quick-cooking dish has a complex mixture of hot and sweet flavors.

SHRIMP WITH COCONUT MILK AND CASHEW RICE

1 clove garlic, minced

1 teaspoon minced ginger root

1/2 pound shelled and deveined medium shrimp

1 tablespoon oil

1 cup coconut milk

1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper

Salt

Freshly ground white pepper

1 heaping tablespoon minced cilantro

Cashew Rice

Saute garlic, ginger root and shrimp in oil in large skillet until shrimp turns pink, about 2 minutes. Add coconut milk, turmeric and crushed red pepper. Cook over medium-low heat 2 to 5 minutes, or until shrimp are cooked and liquid is hot. Season to taste with salt and white pepper. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve over Cashew Rice. Makes 2 servings.

Note: Do not use sweetened coconut milk designed for cocktails. Regular coconut milk is available canned in Asian and Hispanic food stores.

Cashew Rice

1 tablespoon butter or margarine

1/2 cup converted rice

1 cup chicken broth

1/4 cup sliced green onions

2 tablespoons chopped cashews

Salt

Freshly ground white pepper

Melt butter in medium pan. Add rice and saute 1 to 2 minutes over medium heat until grains are glossy. Add chicken broth and bring to boil. Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer until rice is tender, 18 to 20 minutes. Stir in green onions and cashews. Season to taste with salt and white pepper. Makes 2 servings.