Crab Masala Curry



This is one of my favourite dishes. It's mostly my mum's recipe, with the idea of the Masala Paste and the crushing of the legs - taken from Chef Varun Inamdaar.

Also, the crab meat is a very good source of protein, omega 3 fatty acids, very digestible,  low in fat, protects the heart, helps in the brain development, good source of selenium - which in turn helps in making our immune system stronger. It also contains Vit B12. Crab meat contains nearly 30 times the copper found in cod and 56 times that found in salmon, chicken and beef. 

Ingredients:

For the Masala Paste:

Oil - 1 tbsp
Coconut -  1/4 cup, grated 
Onion - 1 medium, chopped
Coriander Seeds - 1 tsp
White Sesame Seeds - 1 tbsp
Cumin Seeds - 1 tbsp
Salt - As per taste
Chilli Powder - 1 tbsp
Turmeric Powder - 1/2 tsp
Ginger: 1 inch
Garlic - 4 pods
Garam Masala Powder - 1 tbsp
Tomatoes - 2 medium, chopped
Fresh Coriander - 1/4 cup, chopped

For the Crab Curry:

Crab (Local Brown) - 2, about 750 gms to 1 kg
Oil - 4 tbsp
Curry Leaves - a handful
Bay leaves - 2 to 3
Cumin Seeds - 1 tbsp
Onion - 1, medium, chopped
Green Chillies - 2 to 3, slit lengthwise
Water - 1.5 cups
Salt - As per taste
Lemon Juice - 1 tbsp
Coriander - 1 cup, freshly chopped

Method:

For the Masala Paste:

1) Heat the oil in a non stick pan.

2) Add the chopped onion into the pan. Keep stirring. Let them turn translucent.

3)  Add the grated coconut into the pan. Roast for about 1-2 minutes until it turns and looks toasty.

4) Add the coriander seeds, white sesame seeds and cumin seeds. Roast them for 1 - 2 minutes more, until you they release their delicious aromas.

5) Empty the mixture into a bowl and let it cool down.

6) Once it is cooled down, transfer the contents into a blender. Add the chilli powder, turmeric powder, ginger, garlic, garam masala powder, tomatoes and the chopped coriander with some salt. 

7) Grind it into a smooth paste. Keep aside.

For the Crab Curry:

1) Take a non stick wok and once its hot, add in the oil.

2) Add the cumin seeds, bay leaves and the curry leaves and let them splutter. 

3) Add the chopped onion and cook until its translucent. Add the chillies.

4) Add in the masala paste, and cook it while stirring for 2-3 minutes. 

5) Add water, and once you see bubbles in the mixture - slide in the crab gently.

6) Mix it all in gently. Add the salt and check the seasoning. (Also add in the pureed crab legs mixture, if you're using it).

7) Add in the lemon juice. Cook covered on a medium flame for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once they turn orangish in colour, it means they're cooked. 

8) Sprinkle the coriander leaves and serve hot with Roti's or Rice.

Also, if you prefer the dish dry, add less water in Step 5...

P. S. If you're using the whole crab, you can grind the 8 crab legs into a fine mixture along with some coriander. 

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