Kerala Crab Curry - AFF Indian Subcontinent

I found   Kerala Crab Curry recipe from Chitrangada's kitchen :  Color and Spices.  I am interested to try cooking it. I really enjoyed it! My new experience for using freshly made paste which was amazing. You can try it for your self. Hi Chitrangada... thanks for sharing this delicious recipe!

Recipe : Kerala Crab Curry

Source : Color and Spices

Ingredients:

blue crabs : 4

onion (sliced) : 1cup

garlic (chopped) : 1/2 tbsp

ginger (grated) : 1/2 tbsp

tomato : 1 large

green chilies (chopped) : 2 (optional)

cumin seeds (crushed) : 1tsp

coriander seeds (crushes) : 1 tsp

curry leaves : 10-12

dried red chilies : 5-6

whole garam masala : 1 stick cinnamon, 2-3 cardamon, 3-4 cloves

star anise : 2

thick coconut milk : 1/2 cup

red chili powder : 2 tsp

turmeric powder : 1 tsp

garam masalah powder : 1/2 tsp

palm jaggery / sugar : 1 tbsp

salt to taste

mustard oil 

Method:

1. Smear salt and turmeric powder to the crab ( body, legs and claws), set aside for 20 -30 min.

2. Heat oil in a kadai or pan, fry the crab pieces for 2 - 3 minutes on high heat. Keep them aside.

3. Add more oil if neede in the same kadai or pan. When the oil is hot add the sliced onions. Cook till transparent. Add chopped garlic and cook for 1 - 2 min. Add grated ginger , mix well and cook for 2 min. Deseed the tomato,  chop it. Add the chopped tomatoes and chopped green chilies (if you are using them). Add salt.Cover the pan and cook till the tomatoes are done. Add crushed cumin  and coriander seeds. Cook for few more minutes. Switch of the heat. Let it cool down. Tranfer the masala to a food prosessor or a mixed grinder and makes a smooth paste.

4. In a fresh pan, add mustard oil, when the oil is hot add curry leaves, whole garam masala, star anise and dry red chilies. Cook on medium - high heat for 1 - 2 min. Add the freshly made paste. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 3 - 4 min. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder (you can use khasmiri red chili powder, if you want the dish to be less hot) , and the palm jaggery ( you substitute that with plain sugar), cook for 2 -3 min. Add the fried crabs, cover and cook on low - medium heat for 5 min. Add coconut milk, mix well.

5. Check the seasoning, adjust accordingly. Cover and cook on low - medium heat for another 5 min. Switch off heat. Sprinkle garam masala powder , immediately cover the pan and let it stand  for 5 - min. Serve  hot with steamed rice.

While you are enjoying the Kerala Crab Curry, you are forgot the other dishes!

"I am submitting this post to Asian Food Fest - Indian Subcontinent hosted by Chef and Sommelier."