Malvani Crab Curry – Khekadya Cha Rassa

Last Updated on August 2, 2021 by Babita

Malvani Crab Curry is a spicy, tangy, mouth-watering recipe that’s made with generous mix of spices and coconut paste. This is a coastal recipe from the Malvan region of Maharashtra where seafood and coconut is abundant.

About the Recipe

Malvani Crab Curry is known as Khekadya Cha Rassa in Marathi. Khekada is the Marathi word for Crabs and Rassa means Curry. This recipe was given to me by my mother-in-law. This crab curry is made with coconut, which infuses a slight sweetness to this spicy recipe.

My mouth is watering even as I type this post. This curry is spicy, tangy and hits all the right notes and pairs great with rice.

What Kind of Crabs Should I use for this Curry

I use the blue crabs for this recipe because those are the only crabs I can find fresh in the Asian store like HMart etc. However, you can use uncooked frozen crabs of your choice. I personally like to use live crabs as I find them most flavorful and you can taste the sea.

Check out other Malvani Recipes

• Malvani Mutton Curry | Muttonache Rassa
• How to Make Rice Vade with Tortilla Press

Ingredients for Crab Curry (See the recipe card for exact measurements)

Live Crabs: For this recipe, I am using live crabs, which are available in Summertime here in NJ in most Asian stores. I am deathly afraid of being bitten by these live, pesky, yet-yummy little things Check out my video or YouTube (Click here), where I have shown you how to handle and prep these crabs safely and without fearing for your life.

Malvani Garam Masala: is a special blend of spices that I use. You cannot get this specific garam masala in the stores. Each family has their own special garam masala with different ratio and measurement of spices. Check out the recipe for my Malvani garam masala blend.

Vaatan: is a paste made by grinding fresh coconut, black pepper and onion. This paste can be made in advance and frozen. It is added as required to help thicken the curry. You can check out the recipe for Vaatan over here.

Other Spices: include turmeric powder, chili powder for color and additional heat and salt.

Water: is required when making the stock as well as for this curry in general.

How to Make Malvani Crab Curry

• Prep the crabs, as shown in the video over here.
• Next, add the small legs to into a blender jar. Add a cup of water and blend it to make a stock. Strain the liquid into another bowl and discard the leftover pieces.
• Heat oil in a pan or saucepan. Add onions and saute until light brown.
• Pour the crab stock into the pan and add three cups of water.
• Add turmeric powder, chili powder, salt and Malvani garam masala and bring to a boil
• Next, add the crabs pieces and allow it to cook for 5 minutes.
• Add vaatan and mix it well. Cover and allow it to cook on medium flame for about 10 minutes.
• Serve it with rice.

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