Crab Fry

Today's recipe 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. Dealing with live crabs might look a little difficult for beginners , so I have included some steps for de-shelling crabs.

Preparation time : 30- 40  minutes
Cooking time : 15 minutes
Serves : 5


Ingredients :

• 1 lb. crab ( I have used blue crab , you can use any crab of your choice)
• 2 green chilies , slit lengthwise
• 1" piece of ginger , minced
• 5 large shallots, chopped
• 5 large garlic flakes , minced
• 1 tsp red chili flakes
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp pepper powder
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 2 pc kokam or a marble sized tamarind
• 4 -5 curry leaves
• Salt, as reuired
• 2 tbsp oil 

Preparation :

• These are my live crabs. First take out its claws very very carefully . If you are a beginner, it's better to use kitchen gloves as a precaution.

• Then take out the legs.

• Then remove this part completely from the bottom portion of the crab  as shown in the figure below .Press hard at the very bottom to crack open the shell  .

• This is how it looks once you de- shell the crab.

• Remove the hard outer shell completely and use the flesh part. 

• Cut into half at the point shown in the figure.

• I have discarded the crab legs , only used the claws and flesh part in this dish.

• 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.
• 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.
• Next add turmeric powder, red chili flakes and pepper powder, cook for another 2 minutes or so.
• Lastly add the crab pieces, and vapor cook for another 2 - 3 minutes until all the flavors blend well . 

• Since this dish has a dry consistency, serve hot with rice and dal or any curry of your choice.

TIPS :

• If you do not want to deal with live crabs , put it in the freezer , according to health dept.rules it is the most humane way to put a crab in the freezer to num it before you cook it, it needs only about half hour to 45 mins.
• Do not boil fresh crabs in water, you will loose the goodness in them.

I'm sending this to The Kerala Kitchen  this month being hosted by Magpies Recipes

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