For the best Chingri Macher Malaikari, use prawns with their shells on. Begin by carefully washing the prawns and removing the veins from each one.
Next, gently rub the prawns with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon turmeric powder, then let them sit for 15 minutes.
Blend onions and tomatoes into smooth pastes.
Heat oil in a large pot.
Fry the prawns, one at a time, in the oil over medium heat, keeping their shells intact, until they turn a lovely pink color.
Remove the prawns from the oil and set aside.
Now, add half of the ghee to the remaining oil in the pot.
Infuse the ghee-oil mixture with the aromatic spices: cinnamon, dried red chili, green cardamom, black cardamom, clove, and bay leaf.
Introduce the onion paste to the mixture and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until it's properly cooked and has turned a pinkish-brown color.
Add the tomato paste and cook for another minute.
Then, stir in the ginger and garlic paste and cook for 1 minute.
Now, add turmeric powder, sugar, salt, red chili powder, cumin powder, and half of the garam masala powder to the mixture.
Cook everything on low heat for 3-4 minutes, until the oil separates. If needed, add a teaspoon of water during this process.
Pour in the coconut milk and mix well.
Finally, add 2 cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil.
Now, let the gravy simmer. Cover the pan and cook over low heat for about 5-6 minutes, or until the gravy thickens nicely.
Stir in the remaining garam masala and ghee, ensuring everything is well combined.
Finally, let the Chingri Macher Malaikari rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.