Spicy Crab Masala Recipe
Overview
This delectable Spicy Crab Masala, a cherished dish from the coastal cuisine of Kerala, combines the fresh, sweet flavors of crab with a rich, aromatic spice blend that tantalizes the taste buds. Ideal for a hearty lunch, this dish is best served hot with steamed rice and traditional accompaniments.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Crabs | 4 |
| Fresh coconut – chunks | 6 |
| Coriander (Dhania) leaves | 5 sprigs |
| Cinnamon stick (Dalchini) | 1 inch |
| Bay leaf (Tej Patta) | 1 |
| Ginger | 2 inches |
| Garlic | 4 cloves |
| Fried onion | 3/4 cup |
| Chopped onion | 1 |
| Tomatoes – finely chopped | 2 |
| Kashmiri red chilli powder | 2 teaspoons (adjustable) |
| Red chilli powder | 1 teaspoon (adjustable) |
| Coriander powder (Dhania) | 1 tablespoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sunflower oil | As required |
Preparation Time
| Description | Time (minutes) |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 50 |
| Cooking | 30 |
| Total | 80 |
Servings
- Servings: 2
- Cuisine: Kerala
- Course: Lunch
- Diet: High Protein, Non-Vegetarian
Instructions
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Prepare the Masala: Gather all ingredients. In a blender, combine the fried onion, coconut chunks, cinnamon stick, bay leaf, ginger, garlic, and coriander leaves. Grind to a smooth paste and set aside.
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Cook the Crabs: Heat sunflower oil in a kadai or wok over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Introduce the crabs, sautéing them to ensure they are well coated with oil.
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Add Spices: After about 10 minutes, once the crabs have turned a deeper color, incorporate the turmeric, coriander powder, Kashmiri red chilli powder, red chilli powder, and salt to taste. Stir well to coat the crabs evenly with the spices.
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Combine Tomatoes and Water: Add the chopped tomatoes to the crab mixture, mixing thoroughly. Pour in 1/2 cup of water, acknowledging that the crabs will release moisture during cooking.
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Simmer: Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for 5-6 minutes until the crabs begin to release their juices. Remove the lid to check the seasoning, adjusting if necessary.
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Final Cooking: Add the prepared masala paste to the crabs and cover again. Cook on low heat for an additional 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Adjust the gravy consistency as desired by continuing to cook if necessary.
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Serve: Once cooked, serve the Spicy Crab Masala hot, paired with steaming rice, rotis, and complement it with Dal Tadka and a refreshing Carrot Ribbon Salad with Asian Sesame Dressing for a complete meal experience.
This Spicy Crab Masala is sure to delight your senses and elevate your culinary repertoire! Enjoy the rich flavors and the vibrant essence of Kerala cuisine.
