Crab Fry
By: Sonali Pradhan
Published: Monday, March 14, 2011 - 7:19am

Ingredients




1 pound crab (I have used blue crab, you can use any crab of your choice)
2 green chilies, slit lengthwise
1 inch piece of ginger, minced
5 large shallots, chopped
5 large garlic flakes, minced
1 teaspoon red chili flakes
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon pepper powder
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
2 pieces kokam or a marble sized tamarind
5 curry leaves
Salt, as reuired
2 tablespoons oil

Preparation

1 Cut and wash the crab thoroughly. I have used the flesh part with the shell and crab claws in this recipe. I have discarded the crab legs and the hard outer cover. 2 Next in a large pan , add 1/2 cup of water , to it add the crab pieces, green chilies, minced ginger , salt, kokam/tamarind  and cook on a low flame for 5 to 7 minutes or until all the water evaporates .

Do not overcook the crab. Keep aside. 3 In a large non stick skillet, heat 2 tbsp oil,  add the mustard seeds, when it starts to sputter, add chopped shallot and garlic and fry well till you get a nice golden brown color. 4 Next add turmeric powder, red chili flakes and pepper powder, cook for another 2 minutes or so. 5 Lastly add the crab pieces, and vapor cook for another 2 - 3 minutes until all the flavors blend well . 6 Since this dish has a dry consistency, serve hot with rice and dal or any curry of your choice.

About


This is an authentic Kerala cuisine which I got from my mom-in-law's cookbook . Though it's not the first time I'm cooking crabs , but surely the first time I have dealt with live crabs. I had a very good experience today.