Sri Lankan Spicy Crab Delight

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (900g) fresh crab, cleaned and cut into pieces 2 lbs (900g) fresh crab, cleaned and cut into pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 2 green chilies, sliced 2 green chilies, sliced
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 2 teaspoons chili powder 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons roasted curry powder 2 teaspoons roasted curry powder
• 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
• 1 cinnamon stick 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 cardamom pods 4 cardamom pods
• 4 cloves 4 cloves
• 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 8g, 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced green chilies. Sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the turmeric powder, chili powder, roasted curry powder, fenugreek seeds, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and cloves. Stir well to coat the spices evenly.
4. 4.
   Add the crab pieces to the pan and mix well with the spices.
5. 5.
   Pour in the coconut milk and season with salt to taste. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
6. 6.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the crab is cooked through and the flavors have melded together.
7. 7.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with steamed rice or crusty bread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Crab — Ensure that the crab is fresh and properly cleaned before cooking. Remove the gills and rinse the crab thoroughly to remove any sand or debris.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a milder curry, reduce the amount of chili powder and green chilies.
• Adjust the consistency of the curry by adding more or less coconut milk according to your preference.
• For an extra burst of flavor, squeeze some fresh lime juice over the curry before serving.
• Serve the Spicy Crab Delight with a side of Sri Lankan coconut sambal for an authentic and delicious experience.
• If fresh crab is not available, you can use frozen crab meat, but make sure to thaw it thoroughly before cooking.

Serving advice

Serve the Sri Lankan Spicy Crab Delight hot with steamed rice or crusty bread. The creamy and spicy curry pairs perfectly with the fluffy rice, allowing you to savor every delicious bite.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Spicy Crab Delight with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro to add a pop of color to the dish. Serve it in a traditional Sri Lankan clay pot or a decorative serving dish to enhance the visual appeal.