How to make Chettinad crab curry

Chettinad is a region in Tamil Nadu which is famous for it curries spiced up with  “Chettinad masala”.The famous spice mix is a mixture of ample amount of  aromatic ingredients.For some reason,I did not try the flavorsome curry in my kitchen until now when I decided to grind the spices at home and use them .

Chettiar community belonged to the “Vaishya” caste or they are a trading community.The community is used to trade spices with the neighbouring countries of India like Burma,Sri Lanka, and Mauritius. Originally the community dwelled  in the coromandel coast under the rule of Cholas.In the past due to a great  flood in the 8th century  the Chettiar community was forced to get  relocated to the dry arid region of Tamil Nadu which were covered with forests and their primary food is non-vegetarian acquired through hunting consisting of Chicken,fowls,turkeys,wild rabbits etc.But due to their past history ,still fish and seafood dishes are part of the Chettinad cuisine.The curries are dominated by the flavor of dry dessicated coconut ,curry leaves and fennel  seeds.It also contains some exotic spices like “Kalapasi” (stone flower),cinnamon buds(Nagkesar),maratti mokku  and whole spices which constitute all spice powder.Nowadays the dry spice mix or the wet curry paste is available readymade in any leading Indian stores.

Ingredients

Chettinad Masala

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

Seasoning

1. Mustard seeds(1/2 tsp)
2. curry leaves( 4 to 5)
3. 1/2 tsp split urud dal

For the gravy

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

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
    Print

    

    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
    • Garlic  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

Other recipes from the Web

• How to cook crab curry in Chettinad style
• Chettinad crab masala
• Chettinad Crab masala from Karaikudi cuisine