Crab Masala

INGREDIENTS:-

Crabs - 4 medium sized
Oil - 2 tablespoon
Bay leaves - 1
Onions - 3 medium finely chopped
Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
Red chilly powder - 1 teaspoon
Salt - as per taste
Water - as required

For green masala:

Fresh cilantro -  1 bunch
Green chillies - 5
Ginger - 2 tablespoon grated
Garlic - 2 tablespoon grated
Cloves - 2
Peppercorns - 6
Cinnamon - 1/2 inch stick

For coconut masala:

Oil - 2 tablespoon
Coriander seeds - 1 tablespoon
Peppercorns - 2
Cloves - 2
Cinnamon - 1 1/2 inch stick
Onions - 1 medium sliced
Coconut - 1 1/2 cups grated
Water - as required

METHOD OF PREPARATION:-

• Grind all the ingredients of the green masala into a fine paste using about 2 tablespoon of water.
• For the coconut masala, heat 2 tablespoon of oil in a pan and fry coriander seeds, peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon for 2 minutes. Add onions and continue to saute till the onions turn light brown. Add coconut and continue to saute on very low heat till the coconut turns brown taking care that it does not get burnt. Cool this mixture and grind to a very fine paste using half a cup of water.
• Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a kadai. Add bay leaves and saute for 2 minutes. Add the green masala and saute till a nice aroma is given out. Add finely chopped onions and saute till the oil leaves thew masala.
• Add turmeric powder and red chilly powder and saute for a couple of minutes more.
• Add the washed and cleaned crab and mix well.  Add 1 cup of water and salt to taste. Bring it to a boil. Lower the heat and cook till the crabs are done.
• Add the coconut masala and half a cup of water and mix well. Adjust seasoning. Once the gravy comes to a boil take it off the heat and keep it covered for about 5 minutes.
• Serve hot with steamed rice or chapatis.