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Chettinad Crab curry

Chettinad crab curry

This is a spicy crab curry from the Karaikudi region of Tamil Nadu

Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian, South Indian
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 person
Author indrani

Ingredients

Ingredients

Chettinad Masala

  • desiccated coconut (1/2 cup)
  • red chilli (4 to 5)
  • coriander (1/2 tsp)
  • cumin (1/2 tsp)
  • green cardamom (2 to 3)
  • cinnamon (3 to 4 inch stick)
  • Fennel seeds (1/2 tbsp)
  • cloves (3 to 4)
  • star anise (1)
  • curry leaves (A fistful)

Seasoning

  • Mustard seeds (1/2 tsp)
  • curry leaves ( 4 to 5)
  • 1/2 tsp split urud dal

For the gravy

  • Crabs 4 to 5
  • Turmeric (1/4 tsp)
  • Red chilly powder (1/2 tbsp)
  • Onions sliced ( 1 cup)
  • Ginger 1 inch
  • GarlicĀ  7to 8 cloves
  • Coconut milk (1/2 cup)
  • Oil (2 tbsp)

Instructions

Method

  1. Clean the crabs removing the gills beneath the shells and washing it under running water.
  2. Separate the claws
  3. Marinate the crabs with turmeric and salt.
  4. Roast all the ingredients of the chettinad masala and grind them to a fine powder and strain
  5. Add mustard seeds,curry leaves and split dal into the hot oil
  6. Fry onions till brown
  7. Saute with ginger garlic paste
  8. Add turmeric powder and red chilly powder and saute.
  9. Add the chettinad masala and mix.
  10. Stir in the crabs and saute .
  11. Add salt and cover cook for five minutes till the flavors are absorbed by the seafood.
  12. Pour coconut milk and cover cook.If the mixture is thick add 1/2 cup of warm water.Simmer covered for 5 to 10 minutes.
  13. Serve hot with steamed rice or idlies or Dosas