1Ā smallĀ onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
2Ā smallĀ green chilisĀ (such as Thai bird) chopped fine
1Ā Tbsp.Ā ginger garlic pasteĀ
1½ tsp. red chili powder (cayenne powder)
½ tsp. turmeric powder
½ tsp. granulated sugar or grated jaggery
1½ Tbsp. vinegar (preferably palm vinegar)
1Ā cupĀ medium shelled, deveined shrimp
1Ā Tbsp.Ā chopped cilantro leaves
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Gently put in the curry leaves and step aside as they pop. Stir for 20 seconds. Add the chopped onions and stir until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add the green chilies and stir for another minute. Add the tomato puree and keep stirring until oil separates from the onion tomato mix, about 5 minutes. Add the ginger-garlic past, red chili, turmeric, and cumin, and keep stirring until mixture is fragrant, about 5 minutes, taking care to ensure the mixture doesn't stick to the bottom.
Add the sugar/grated jaggery, vinegar, and water and cook till the rawness of the tomato is gone, about 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt. Add the shrimp, stir and let cook for one minute. Remove from heat. Allow to continue cooking off heat, stirring occasionally, until shrimp are cooked through, about 4 minutes longer. Garnish with coriander and serve with white rice and daal.