Erra Thokku(Shrimp Gravy)

In a heavy bottom kadai or pan heat oil and splutter mustard seeds.Add dry red chillies and curry leaves and saute .follow this with finely chopped onions  and saute.When the onion turns translucent add finely chopped tomatoes. Saute the tomatoes till they are cooked and the skin comes out of the flesh.Now add the ginger garlic paste and saute.When this is done add the masalas one after the other and saute throughly.When they are done add the shrimp and mix them well so that they are completely  coated with the masala.Add salt and the tamarind extract to the shrimp and saute.Add water to make a gravy consistency. that the gravy should neither be too watery nor too thick.cover the pan with a lid and bring to boil,then remove the lid and simmer.cook until the oil floats on top of the gravy. Sprinkle with fresly ground black pepper and garnish with finely chopped cilontra.Goes good with steamed rice,chappathi and parottas.