Crab Masala Kerala

Method

1. 1

   Clean crab: Scrub 2 large crabs. Break into pieces. Remove gills. Crack claws. Marinate with 1 tsp turmeric and salt.

2. 2

   Make coconut paste: Blend 1 cup fresh grated coconut, 5 dried red chillies, 1 tbsp coriander seeds and 1 tsp fennel seeds to a smooth paste.

3. 3

   Fry shallots: Heat 3 tbsp coconut oil. Add 1.5 cups sliced shallots and fry on medium heat 12 minutes until golden.

4. 4

   Add ginger-garlic and tomatoes: Add 1.5 tbsp ginger-garlic paste then 3 chopped tomatoes. Cook 8 minutes.

5. 5

   Add spice powders: Add 1.5 tsp red chilli powder, 1 tsp coriander powder and half tsp turmeric. Fry 2 minutes.

6. 6

   Add coconut paste: Add the ground coconut paste. Fry 5-6 minutes until oil separates.

7. 7

   Add marinated crab: Add crab pieces. Toss to coat. Cook on high heat 5 minutes.

8. 8

   Add water: Add 1 cup water and salt. Cover and cook on medium heat 15-18 minutes until crab is bright orange-red.

9. 9

   Thicken: Uncover and cook 5 minutes to reduce the sauce.

10. 10

    Serve: Adjust salt. Garnish with curry leaves. Kerala crab masala should be rich and coconut-forward. Serve with steamed rice.