There is a misconception in general about Pappu Royya. Many mistake Pappu
Royya and Yendu Royya ( Dried Prawns )
to be the same. They are not.
There is a whale of difference between
the two. Dried Prawns are just Sun dried along with head and shell. The smell
is also very highly pungent.
However, the making process of Pappu Royya as it is called in Telugu is
completely different. They have very little pungent smell and the shelf life is
year plus. Usually a few prawns are
added to the gravy curries and the whole curry becomes so delicious with
the fragrance of the prawns.
Making
Process: For 500-600 gms of final
product
Take 5 kgs of medium sized prawns.
Add a tsp of turmeric, mix well and Wash them thoroughly a couple of
times.
Drain the water and keep aside.
Take a large vessel , toss the prawns in along with head and shell, and
put the vessel on medium flame. ( If vessel is not big enough, take half the
prawns and follow the same process )
As heat builds up in a few minutes, prawns begin to ooze water.
 |
| Covered Prawns |
As steam begins to rise from the vessel , cover the prawns in the vessel
with a thin towel folded to fit in the vessel blocking steam from escaping.
Take the towel out every couple of minutes and stir the prawns well in
such a way that cooked prawns come on top and uncooked goes to the bottom.
Continue the process for a few minutes till all the prawns turn pinkish
red.
 |
| Cooked Prawns |
Take out the towel and drain the water.
Sun dry the prawns for 5 -6 hours on the towel directly exposed to the
Sun.
 |
| Sun dried |
In the evening, pack the prawns tightly in the towel and beat the towel
on the floor. The head and shell will come off in small pieces.
 |
| Head&Shell removal |
Separate the prawns from the debris and safe keep them in a container for
the night.
Sun dry the prawns next morning again for 5 to 6 hours.
Rub the prawns in the towel vigorously with the towel for the 
remaining
debris to fall off.
If the temperature is 35 degrees and above two days of drying will do.
If the temperature is around 30 degrees, three days of drying will do.
Store the debris free prawns in a container.
 |
| Final Product |
Cooking
Process:
Soak the prawns for 5 – 10 minutes.
Add a tbsp prawns or more to the gravy curry 5 minutes before its cooking
is completed.
The fragrance of the prawns envelops the curry. It is delicious.
