The Most Unlikely of Places - Hyderabadi Shrimp Curry

What sparks your creativity? We've been spending quite a bit of time outdoors, and Poet and Flower recently saw their grandmother's camping chair. They spontaneously decided they would design their own chair. First, they carefully sat in her chair and analyzed what they liked about it (mommy, it's comfy and soft were their comments.) They wrapped a kid's chair with pink tape making it soft and comfortable. Then they used string (used mainly for making mask lanyards) and put loops on both sides, creating a backpack. Poet proudly declared he was ready for any outdoor events.

And so creativity can come from the most unlikely of places. A few years ago, we saw the work of Thornton Dial at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Dial uses discarded materials and found objects to make art. His large-scale sculptures incorporate mattress coils, chicken wire, clothing, can lids, found metal, and spray paint. He created large sculptures and images from all these materials. The exhibit was called Hard Truths and commented on class, wealth, and a variety of contemporary issues. I was struck by the beauty he created from objects that most of us throw away daily.

Creativity doesn't have to mean large-scale installations at museums. It can come from our everyday. My mother was endlessly creative. She loved to garden, sew, and of course, cook. For her, cooking was one of her creative outlets, and it gave her immense satisfaction to cook for family and friends (and to get compliments and praise about her food from which she drew a great source of joy.)

This week I made her classic shrimp curry. She loved seafood and had a myriad of ways of preparing it. One of her other favorites was fried shrimp. You can find a great recipe for that here. This curry is easy and quick to make. Use tomatoes, fresh cilantro, and tomatoes to create the base, and then coriander powder and turmeric add some spice. It is perfect with Hyderabadi Bagara Khana or plain rice.

I love how Poet and Flower enjoy making art. Their creativity knows no bounds. From pink chairs to painting the walls (maybe not a great exercise in creativity), I am excited to see where it will take them.

Hyderabadi Shrimp Curry

A simple and easy shrimp curry. It is a mild dish flavored with tomatoes, fresh cilantro and coriander powder.

Servings 4

• 4 tablespoons neutral oil
• 2 sticks cinnamon
• 4 cloves
• 4 cardamon
• 1 pound medium shrimp (cleaned and deveined)
• 1 1/2 medium onions (chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 inch piece of ginger (minced)
• 2-3 green chilis
• 1 medium tomato (chopped)
• 3/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon coriander powder
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 3/4 cup cilantro (chopped)
• 2 tablespoons dry unsweetened coconut powder

1. In a medium pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add the cinnamon, cardamom and cloves. Saute for 30 seconds.
2. Add the onions and saute until soft and translucent, 5-10 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and ginger. Saute until it is golden and begins to stick.
4. Add the remainder of the ingredients - tomatoes, green chilis, coriander powder, turmeric, shrimp and salt. Cook until well blended, about 5 minutes.
5. Add 3/4 cup water and coconut powder. Bring to boil then simmer 20 minutes.
6. Serve with Basmati rice and yogurt on the side.