Crab Masala/Njandu curry

In our God's own country the crab is known as Njandu...Its a very tasty dish but not quiet easy to cook...Here in USA we can find this crab in all grocery shop.If  you are going to chinese shop you can find the fresh and live one..That would make the dish more tastier..Really i got this recipe from My Aunt and she is a very good cook especially her njandu curry and konchu pollichathu is our favorite..When i first tried this recipe frankly speaking it was a flop..while doing it frequently i got the idea ...we should know the way of cooking the crab then only we can make a good curry with this crab..

Its one of my favorite dish ...We are not buying it every week..but whenever we find good crab(my hus knows) we suddenly grab a pound or two...We usually buy the King Crab legs...Best one we found is at Costco and Kroger...But make sure that its not too old before buying..

Cost of the item : 11.99/pound

Cooking time: 30-45 minute

Ingredients

Crab leg : 1 pound

Onion : 1 big/2 medium

Ginger : 1 medium size

Garlic : 4 cloves

Green chili: 3 nos

Tomato : 1 no 

Chili Powder : 2 tsp

Coriander Powder 4tsp

Pepper Powder  : 1 tsp

Fenugreek powder : 1/4 tsp

Asafoetida : a pinch

Salt : to taste

For seasoning

Mustard Seeds: 1tsp

Red chili : 1 no

Curry leaves : 5 or 6 leaves

Oil : 4 tsp

Preparation

1. First wash the crab legs 3-4 times in medium hot water..Just scrub the sides with clean scrubber..Be careful not to cut with the sharp edgesf of  the legs

2.Cut the legs into medium size pieces as shown in the picture

3 Marinate the pieces with 2 tsp lemon juice, turmeric powder and salt..Keep it for 30-1 hour..

4.Heat oil in a pan.Once it get heated add the mustard seed,Once the seeds started spluttering add the red chili and curry leaves let it saute for some time..then add the ginger garlic and the green chili.

5.Add the thinly sliced onions in to it..Let the onions fry for 15- 20 minute in medium heat .Stir occasionally.

6.Once the oil get seperated from the onion add the Powders one by one...

7.Then add the crab pieces into it..stir continously for 5 to 7 minute...

8.Add one/two cups of water into the mix...If u like more gravy add 2 cups of water otherwise just one cup is enough.

9.Let the mix and cook for 15 -20 minutes in medium heat...

  The mouthwatering Crab masala is ready to serve..Garnish with some curry leaves....

Points to ponder

• fry the onion completely...
• Adding more water will spoil the curry so be careful..add the water according the quantity of the mixture .