Naadan Njandu Varutharachathu/ Crab Roast (Serves 4)

Whoever first discovered that this crustacean with im-penetrable carapace is eatable, is definitely a SCIENTIST. Once exposed to the taste of this unique meat, it lingers on to your taste buds forever. Here we are with an easy preparation of crab/njandu and this one is for all the seafood lovers out there...


For the Curry

Crab 1 lb
Red onions 2 big, finely chopped
Tomato 2 nos, sliced
Green chilly 2 nos, chopped
Ginger garlic paste 1 tsp
Curry leaves 2 sprigs
Garam masala 1 tsp
Water ½ cup
Salt as needed
Oil 2 TBSP

To clean the crab

Wash the crab with lot of hot water for 3 times. Boil water and add crab and allow to boil for 5-10 minutes. Drain and wash crab again in cold water for couple of times. Cut the crab using a crab cutter or knife. This helps the masala to get coated to the meat.

To grind (Varutharakkan)

Grated coconut 1 cup
Turmeric powder ½ tsp
Coriander powder 3 TBSP
Red chilly powder 2 TBSP
Shallots 2 nos, sliced
Oil 1 tsp

Preparation

Heat (med) oil in a pan. Fry the coconut and shallots for 5 minutes or until a reddish brown color is attained. Add turmeric powder, red chilly powder and coriander powder and roast until the nice aroma oozes out. Remove from fire, allow to cool and grind this to a smooth paste with 2 tsp water. Keep aside.

 Heat (med-high) oil in a deep bottomed pan. Saute the onions until translucent. Add the green chilly and ginger garlic paste. Fry for 2 more minutes. Next add the chopped tomatoes and curry leaves. Cook this mixture until oil separates or till tomatoes are soft. Now add in the ground coconut paste and mix well to combine. Add half cup water, salt and the cleaned crab; cook covered for 20 -30 minutes. Add the garam masala and remove from fire. Serve hot with plain rice ......

Tips

If you like a gravy version of the varutharacha curry, add 1/2 more cup of water to the curry while cooking

Cleaning crab can be tricky, also if you don't want the shells of crab, you can pull the meat out and prepare the curry in the same way. Keep in mind to adjust the amount of water to cook crab