Kurli Masala ( Crabs masala)

Crabs in english , Kurli in konkani and Chimbori in marathi is a type of shell fish. Though it is extremely tasty many find it complicated to eat due to its tough covering. But those who love them will go through any trouble to eat the crabs .

This kurli masala is a typical konkali dish. You can have it with roti or it can be diluted with little water and also can be had as curry with plain hot rice.

Note : Crabs bought on and during the New moon day (amavasya ) are more heavy and fleshy , whereas the ones during Full moon day (Poornima ) do not have much flesh.

Ingredients :

6...........................Crabs
2 .........................onions slices
1/2 .........................onion chopped
1 cup .....................fresh grated coconut
2 tbsp.........................  coriander seeds (dhane)
1 tsp.............................Pepper seeds (meeri )
7 to 8 ..........................dry chillies (bedgi variety)
4 to 5..............................dry kokam pieces
2 tsp..................................turmeric powder
oil ( use coconut oil for best results )
salt

Method :

In a pan add oil and roast coriander seeds and pepper.
Then add onions , when they turn brown add coconut and roast.
Add dry chillies , turmeric and roast for further 2 / 3 minutes.
Grind this masala.
In a pan take oil and add the chopped onion .
Fry till it is almost dark brown and then add the washed , cleaned and deshelled crabs.
Stir them for 5 minutes and add the masala.
Add salt and kokam.
You can keep the gravy thick or dilute it as per your liking.