Bengali Crab Curry (Kakrar Jhal) with Potatoes

Kakrar Jhal – Bengali Style Crab Curry
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Bengali
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

This delicious Bengali crab curry, known as Kakrar Jhal, combines tender crab pieces with potatoes in a savory, flavorful gravy. Aromatic spices and fresh ingredients like ginger, garlic, and onions create a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for a special meal or a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 Crabs, cut into pieces (about 500g)
• 2 Potatoes (Aloo), cut into halves
• 2 Onions, paste
• 1 teaspoon Garlic, paste
• 1-1/2 teaspoons Ginger, paste
• 1-1/2 teaspoons Turmeric powder (Haldi)
• 1 teaspoon Red Chilli powder
• 1 teaspoon Cumin powder (Jeera)
• 1-1/2 teaspoons Coriander powder (Dhania)
• Salt, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon Sugar
• 2 tablespoons Homemade tomato puree
• 2 Green chillies
• 2 Cardamom (Elaichi) pods/seeds
• 2 Cloves (Laung)
• 1/2 inch Cinnamon stick (Dalchini)
• 1/2 teaspoon Garam masala powder
• 3 tablespoons Mustard oil

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crab:
   Clean the crab thoroughly with warm water. Marinate the crab pieces with salt, turmeric, and red chilli powder, and set them aside for 15 minutes.

2. Fry the Crab:
   Heat 2 tablespoons of mustard oil in a frying pan over medium flame. Fry the marinated crab pieces, covering the pan with a lid to ensure even cooking. Once the crab is crispy and cooked through, remove it from the pan and set aside.

3. Cook the Potatoes:
   In the same pan, add a bit more oil, then add the potatoes with a pinch of salt and turmeric. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the potatoes soften. Once done, remove and set aside.

4. Prepare the Spice Base:
   In the same pan, add the cinnamon stick, cloves, and cardamom. Let them sizzle for a moment, then add the onion paste. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes until the onions are fully cooked.

5. Add Ginger-Garlic Paste:
   Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another 1-2 minutes.

6. Mix in the Spices:
   Add the dry spices: turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, red chilli powder, garam masala, salt, and sugar. Stir well to combine and cook for another minute.

7. Add Tomato Puree & Green Chillies:
   Pour in the homemade tomato puree and add green chillies. Cook the mixture for 2-3 minutes. Add about 1/4 cup of water to prevent the spices from burning.

8. Combine Crab and Potatoes:
   Add the fried crab pieces and potatoes to the pan. Mix everything well to coat the ingredients in the flavorful spice mixture.

9. Simmer the Curry:
   Add about 1/2 cup of water and let the curry simmer on medium heat for 8-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

10. Serve:
    Once cooked, switch off the heat. Serve this delectable Bengali Crab Curry (Kakrar Jhal) with steamed rice for a comforting and satisfying meal. You can also pair it with a refreshing Kachumber Salad to complete the dish.

Enjoy this aromatic Bengali seafood delight as a perfect lunch or dinner option!