Among the wide array of culinary delights that India offers, one often overlooked yet immensely flavourful aspect is its celebration of crabs. In the coastal regions, the crab reigns supreme, its succulent meat for enjoying its delicate sweetness and distinctive briny flavour. Whether simmered in aromatic spices or grilled over open flames, the crab takes centre stage in a culinary symphony that celebrates the bounty of the ocean.
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From the bustling markets of Goa to the sleepy fishing villages of Bengal, the crab takes its place at the heart of India's rich culinary heritage, a symbol of abundance, hospitality, and the enduring bond between land and sea. Here are seven dishes from different regions of India that incorporate crab as their star dish.
Crab Roast
Crab roast, also known as Njandu Roast, is a popular seafood delicacy that hails from Kerala. It features sweet onion, tomato, mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, curry leaves, coconut oil and spices like turmeric, chilli, fennel, coriander etc. It is definitely one of the easy crab dishes to make as it is all about making the spicy base after stir-frying all the ingredients and then using the bare minimum of water to cook the crab.
Kankrar Jhal
Kankrar jhal is a delicious crab dish from the coastal regions of Bengal. Being a Bengali dish, it features the love of Bengal, aloo or potato. Along with these, what gives the main flavours to this light dish are varied spices and aromatics like cardamom, cinnamon, garam masala, turmeric, red chilli, cumin and coriander. The oil that is used to cook the dish plays an important role because it is mustard oil that gives it a kick. Served along with hot rice, the crabs and potatoes create an amazing dining experience.
Malvani Crab Curry
Malvani crab curry is an authentic dish that involves the flavours of Maharashtra. In this dish, the succulent crab is cooked in rich, spicy, and aromatic gravy, which includes special malwani fish masala, shredded coconut, garlic, lemon juice, and coriander for aroma. This dish is cooked by simmering the gravy for long minutes for the crab to soak in all flavours and spices. It is often served and enjoyed with hot rice.
Crab Sukka
Crab Sukka is a delectable Mangalorean dish from coastal India that celebrates the rich flavours of Indian crabs. This aromatic delicacy features tender crab meat cooked in a tantalising blend of spices like coriander, cumin, turmeric, and red chilli powder. The dish often incorporates coconut, garlic, ginger, and tamarind, adding layers of complexity to its taste profile. Finished with a splash of tangy lemon juice, Crab Sukka offers a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and acidity, making it a true culinary delight for seafood enthusiasts.
Goan Xec Xec
Goan xec xec is an authentic crab dish from Goa that tantalises every visitor's taste buds with its spicy and aromatic flavours. This dish features a base of roasted spice blend that includes roasted coconut, chillies, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, cloves, pepper and many more. What gives this dish its identity is the tamarind pulp and coconut. The creamy texture of this, along with steaming hot rice, gives an amazing dining experience.
Crab Pepper Masala
Crab Pepper Masala is a tantalising dish that pays homage to the rich flavours of Indian cuisine, celebrating the essence of Indian crabs. This delectable dish features succulent crab meat cooked to perfection with a symphony of spices. Infused with the bold flavours of black pepper, ginger, garlic, and aromatic Indian spices, every bite is a burst of savoury goodness. The tender crab meat absorbs the flavours effortlessly, creating a harmonious blend of heat and fragrant spices.
Crab Masala
Crab masala is a common way of cooking delicious crabs, and it is followed in Goa and many southern states of India. This dish has a delectable blend of ginger, garlic, onions, tomatoes and spices. It has turmeric, cumin, coriander and chilli powder for a spicy kick. To give that zesty twist to this dish, it's served with a squeeze of lemon and fresh coriander leaves for that freshness and aroma.