Pepper Crab Masala

Nutrition values are AI-estimated based on ingredients.

• 4-5 blue swimmer crabs, cleaned, broken into pieces, with claws cracked
• 2-3 tablespoons cooking oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 2-3 pieces dried red chilies
• A small handful curry leaves
• 1.5-2 cups finely chopped onions
• 1 cup finely chopped tomatoes
• 1-2 teaspoons coriander powder
• 1-2 teaspoons red chili powder
• 2.5-3 tablespoons black pepper powder
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• A handful fresh green herbs (cilantro/dill), chopped
• Half a piece lime

1. 1Clean the crab by cracking claws, removing the top shell, cleaning out gills and internal organs, cutting the body into smaller pieces, and washing thoroughly.
2. 2Heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil in a kadai, then add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds, 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds, and 2-3 pieces of dried red chilies, and sauté until fragrant.
3. 3Add a handful of fresh curry leaves and 1.5-2 cups of finely chopped red onions, and sauté until translucent and lightly browned.
4. 4Add 1 cup of finely chopped tomatoes to the sautéed onions and cook until they soften and the oil starts to separate.
5. 5Stir in 1-2 teaspoons of coriander powder and 1-2 teaspoons of red chili powder, cook for a minute until well combined and aromatic, then cover briefly to allow the masala to cook and deepen in color.
6. 6Add 1.5-2 tablespoons of black pepper powder to the glossy masala and stir until its color darkens significantly to a deeper reddish-brown.
7. 7Add the cleaned and cut crab pieces to the dark masala and mix thoroughly with a wooden spatula until coated evenly.
8. 8Add 1 cup of water, 1 tablespoon of black pepper powder, more fresh curry leaves, and 1 teaspoon of salt, then stir well and cover the pan.
9. 9Simmer on medium heat for about 7-8 minutes until the crab cooks, turns a bright red-orange, and the masala thickens, darkens further, and clings to the crab pieces.
10. 10Garnish with fresh chopped green herbs and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

These instructions are our analysis of the original video. Watch on YouTube →