MASALA CRAB

These decapods are extremely tasty to have, favourite with me and my senior. Crabs are popular in Singapore, found in all shapes and sizes. Of the two most popular dishes of crabs here, Chilli and Black Pepper, we prefer Black Pepper Crab. Sitting by the sea, watching streamline of ships standing, savouring black pepper crab is a thing of pleasure. The smell of freshly ground black pepper along with butter adds to the beautiful ambience. You get crabs all over Singapore, but I personally feel the ones we get at the East Coast Park restaurants are just awesome, unmatched....perhaps the fresh seaside breeze, the beautiful sight of the bright garlanded ships, the moonlit night....all are add ons....few hours at peace.... away from the hustle n bustle of the busy city life.

As told, Crabs are decapods along with lobsters, crayfish and shrimps. Crabs form an order within the decapods, called the Brachyura. Their short body is covered by thick exoskeleton. Found all over the world, they mostly live in sea water, there are some who live in fresh, and some live on the land. About 7000 species are known. [WIKI]

Back home, crab is eaten, though not as popular as in Singapore. In a particular season we get it. In a quiet corner of the wet market, would sit a small time business woman or man with few other rustic stuffs. There it is quite cheaper as compared to prawns and other fish as it is not considered a delicacy there. They are found in small and medium sizes. This crab curry is a simple one, the way we do it at home.

INGREDIENTS :

Crab[medium sized] : 4
Cumin Powder : 2 tsp
Coriander Powder : 1tsp
Turmeric Powder : 1 tsp
Red Chilli Powder : 1 tsp
Ginger Paste : 2 tbsp
Green Chilli : 2-3 [slitted]
Bay Leaf : 1
Cumin Seeds : 2 pinches
Salt : As per taste
Oil : 4 tbsp

PROCEDURE :

Break each crab into smaller pieces, tear and halve the claws. My family discard the hard coverage. Wash with cold water thoroughly. Now soak in hot water  for half an hour.

After half an hour, drain the water. Add salt and turmeric to the crab, rub well. Keep aside for 15 minutes. 

Heat oil in wok. Fry the crab pieces in batches until golden brown. Keep aside.

In the remaining oil, add a bay leaf, cumin seeds. As the cumin seeds splutter,  add ginger paste, fry for 2 minutes or fry until raw smell goes.

Add turmeric powder & salt as required. Saute for 2-3 minutes and add all the spice powders. Fold in well until oil separates from spice mix. Add  1 small cup water. Cover. Lower the heat.

After 3-4 minutes, remove cover, add crab pieces. Stir well, cover. Cook at low heat for another 3 minutes. Switch off gas stove, it should be done.

Transfer into a serving bowl. It goes best with steamed rice!