Spicy Crab Masala Recipe
Description:
Spicy Crab Masala is a tantalizing Kerala-style dish made with tender, juicy crabs simmered in a thick and flavorful gravy of coconut, onions, ginger, garlic, and aromatic spices. Perfect for those rainy monsoon days when the craving for spicy food intensifies, this dish offers a delightful combination of heat, richness, and freshness. Crabs, known for their healing properties, are often used in traditional remedies to help with colds, making this dish a tasty and nourishing option. The small freshwater crabs, preferred for their tenderness and sweetness, are ideal for this recipe. Pair it with steamed rice, warm rotis, Dal Tadka, and a refreshing Carrot Ribbon Salad with Asian Sesame Dressing for a wholesome, comforting meal.
Cuisine: Kerala Recipes
Course: Lunch
Diet: High Protein Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Crabs | 4 Crabs |
| Fresh coconut | 6 chunks |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 5 sprigs |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1-inch piece |
| Bay leaf (Tej Patta) | 1 leaf |
| Ginger | 2-inch piece |
| Garlic | 4 cloves |
| Onion (fried) | 3/4 cup |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 medium |
| Tomato (finely chopped) | 2 medium |
| Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder | 2 tsp (adjustable) |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 tsp (adjustable) |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1 tbsp |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1 tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | As required |
Preparation Time: 50 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Masala Paste:
Begin by gathering all the essential ingredients. To make the masala paste, grind the fried onion, fresh coconut, cinnamon stick, bay leaf, ginger, garlic, and coriander leaves together to form a smooth and fine paste. Set this aside for later use. -
Sauté the Onions and Crabs:
In a large kadai or wok, heat a generous amount of oil. Add the chopped onions and sauté them until they become translucent. Once the onions soften, add the crabs to the pan. Sauté the crabs for about 10 minutes, allowing them to absorb the oil and change color to a deeper shade, signaling that they are beginning to cook. -
Add the Spice Powders:
Once the crabs have changed color, it’s time to add the dry spices. Add the turmeric powder, coriander powder, Kashmiri red chilli powder, and red chilli powder, adjusting the quantity based on your preferred spice level. Stir well to ensure the crabs are evenly coated with the spice mix. Add salt to taste. -
Cook with Tomatoes:
Now, add the finely chopped tomatoes to the mixture and stir them in. The tomatoes will release their juice, adding to the richness of the gravy. Pour in half a cup of water to help the crabs cook in their own moisture. Cover the pan with a lid and simmer on low heat for about 5-6 minutes, allowing the crab meat to release its juices. -
Add the Ground Masala Paste:
Remove the lid and check the consistency of the gravy. If you feel the dish needs more spice or liquid, adjust accordingly. Now, pour in the prepared masala paste. Stir everything together and cover again. Let the crab masala simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes. During this time, the flavors will meld, and the gravy will thicken, creating a flavorful and spicy sauce. -
Final Adjustments:
Once the crab masala is cooked to your satisfaction, check the consistency of the gravy. If you prefer a thicker gravy, continue to cook until it reaches the desired thickness. If you like a slightly runnier consistency, you can add a little water and adjust accordingly. -
Serve:
Serve your Spicy Crab Masala hot with steamed rice, warm rotis, Dal Tadka, and a side of Carrot Ribbon Salad with Asian Sesame Dressing. The combination of spices, tender crab meat, and the rich coconut gravy will surely make this meal a memorable experience.
This Spicy Crab Masala is a delightful dish that showcases the flavors of Kerala in their most vibrant form. Whether you’re looking for comfort food or an exotic twist for your lunch table, this dish will satisfy all your cravings. The tender crabs soaked in aromatic spices and the rich coconut gravy make this recipe a must-try for seafood lovers!
