This Chettinad crab masala is aromatic, flavourful, comforting with the perfectly roasted spices that makes it wonderfully delicious also incredibly Easy to make!
Crab masala /crab fry is about to become one of your favourite recipes because this recipe hails from Chettinad cuisine.
Chettinad cuisine is believed to be the most aromatic and spiciest cuisine in India and it is famous for its complexity of flavours.
This crab fry is ultimately delicious that requires just a few extra steps to Saute the spices and make the flavourful Chettinad ground masala that has an added depth of flavour!
HOW TO MAKE CHETTINAD CRAB FRY WITH STEP BY STEP PICTURES:
To make Ground masala:
Heat up oil add peppercorns, fennel seeds, cumin seeds, coriander seeds saute for a minute.Add dry red chillies, saute for a second. Add onions saute until the onions are translucentAdd tomato and saute until the tomato turns mushyOnce onion and tomato are well cooked, bring the mixture to room temperature and grind to a fine paste adding 1/4 cup of water. Keep aside until we use.
Heat up some oil add the seasonings fennel seeds and curry leavesAdd ginger garlic pastekeep saute until the raw smell disappears.Now, add the ground onion tomato masalaKeep stirring for 5 to 6 mins, if the gravy stick to the bottom of the pan adds 1/4 cup of water. (At this stage give a taste test add salt and pepper powder if needed.)Add crab piecesThoroughly coat the crab pieces with masalaCover with the lid and cook the crab for 8 to 10 mins stirring occasionallyThe colour of the masala has become slightly darker and you can see a thin glaze of oil appears on sides of the pan. It’s time to turn off the heat.
Sprinkle some handful of chopped coriander leaves and serve. Chettinad Crab masala is ready!
TIPS TO MAKE BEST CHETTINAD CRAB MASALA:
Gingelly oil: Using gingerly oil gives you the depth of flavours, however, you could swap to peanut oil or any vegetable oil
Crabs: Pick up the crabs that are fresh, you can suss out the smell to check the freshness of the crab.
Heat: You can reduce the amount of Heatness in this recipe as per your tastebud.
Freshly ground masala: Roasting the spices releases the aromatic flavour.
Make sure the spices are roasted to lightly golden brown, over-roasting might gives you a bitter taste.
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I start my day with a simple meditation practice; it sets the tone for my day and clears my head to prepare for what's ahead