Ep 3. Shrimp & Rice with Fresh Indian Spices with Madhur Jaffrey
- April 29, 1995
- 25 min
In Julia's Kitchen with Master Chefs season 1 episode 3, the legendary Julia Child is joined by renowned Indian cookbook author and actress Madhur Jaffrey to create a flavorful and aromatic dish of Shrimp & Rice with Fresh Indian Spices.
Jaffrey begins by toasting cumin seeds in a pan, and then grinding them into a powder using a mortar and pestle. She then demonstrates how to make a fragrant spice blend by mixing together the cumin powder with coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. This spice blend will be the key ingredient to flavor the dish.
Next, Jaffrey carefully deveins and cleans the fresh shrimp, then marinates them with garlic, ginger, and the spice mixture. The shrimp are left to marinate for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.
While the shrimp are marinating, Jaffrey cooks the rice in a separate pot with more spices and ghee, a type of clarified butter used in Indian cuisine. She adds bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and cardamom pods to the pot and toasts them briefly before pouring in the rice and water. She also adds some raisins and cashews to the rice for added texture and sweetness.
Once the rice is cooked, Jaffrey adds the marinated shrimp to the pot and cooks them until they turn pink and are fully cooked. She finishes the dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice to brighten the flavors.
Throughout the episode, Jaffrey shares her extensive knowledge of Indian spices and techniques, offering tips and tricks for viewers to replicate this flavorful dish at home. Julia Child, always the enthusiastic student, asks insightful questions and provides her own perspectives on the dish.
The episode is filled with engaging and educational moments, showcasing the expertise and personalities of both Jaffrey and Child. From the toasting of spices to the plating of the finished dish, viewers can follow along as Jaffrey and Child create a delicious and unforgettable meal.
