Issan Samaga Wattakka Soup by Jetwing Beach
(Pumpkin Soup with Shrimp)

A modern rendition of a basic vegetable and shrimp soup that goes well with any bread of your choice.

Ingredients

3 ½ oz (100g) butter 3 ½ oz (100g) onion, coarsely chopped 3 ½ oz (100g) leeks, coarsely chopped 3 ½ oz (100g) celery, coarsely chopped 1 ½ (50g) garlic ¼ cup (30g) flour 10 oz (250g) pumpkin, cubed 4 teaspoons roasted coriander powder 4 teaspoons roasted cumin powder 3 teaspoons roasted chillie powder 6 cups (1½ liters) chicken stock Salt & pepper to taste ¾ oz (20g) butter ½ teaspoon chopped garlic 15 medium shrimp, shelled 4 teaspoons sesame seeds, roasted 3 table spoons roasted desiccated coconut

Method
Melt the butter in a thick-bottomed pan. Add the onions, leeks, celery and garlic and cook slowly until the juices are released. Stir in the flour until the mixture thickens slightly. Cook several minutes to a blond-brown color. Add the pumpkin, then the coriander, cumin and chillie powder. Cover with a lid and simmer on low heat for eight to ten minutes. Remove the lid and add the warm chicken stock. Stir well and bring to a boil. Add the salt and pepper. Simmer fifteen minutes and skim the soup. Remove from heat and blend smooth.

To prepare the shrimp, heat the butter in a pan and sauté the garlic. Add the shrimp and sauté briefly for three minutes until shrimp changes color. Distribute the shrimp and garlic evenly into soup bowls, add the pumpkin soup on top and garnish with the roasted sesame seeds and desiccated coconut. Serve hot…

Negombo lagoon by far, is one of the most unique estuaries in Sri Lanka and the crabs derived from it have been identified for the flavor and of course the method of cooking which is unique to Negombo.

The culinary team at Jetwing Beach has mastered the art of preparing the authentic Negombo Crab Curry which is extremely popular and known as the Meepura (Negombo) crab curry with drumstick leaves. Other dishes you could savour are the Thai Black Pepper Crab, Singapore Chili Crab, Beach Special Gratine Crab, Crab Soga Yaki (Ginger flavoured), Grilled Teriyaki Crab.

Meepura (Negombo) Crab Curry With Drumstick Leaves

Crab Curry		Show Cooking		Crab

Ingredients
500g Lagoon Crab, 75g Sliced Onions, 25g Crusted Garlic, 01tsp Chopped Ginger, 01Tbp Chili Powder, 02tbs Raw Curry Powder, ½ Tsp Turmeric Powder, ¼ Tsp Fenugreek, Curry Leaves, Drumstick Leaves, Rampe, Salt, Pepper, Lemon Juice, ½ CUP THICK COCONUT MILK (1st EXTRACT)
01 Cup Thick Coconut Milk (2nd Extract), Cinnamon Sticks, Coconut Oil

Method
Season the crab with curry powder, Chili Powder, Turmeric, Powder and Salt. Sautee’d Onion, Drumstick Leaves and Garlic. Add rest of the ingredients other than the thick coconut milk and simmer for 15 minutes. When the crab is cooked add the thick coconut milk, Lemon Juice, Salt and serve with Saffron Rice.