Malvani Masala Crabs

Ingredients-

Marinate together-

• 2 teaspoons turmeric powder
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic paste
• 2 tablespoons tamarind pulp
• Sea salt to taste
• 2 pounds crabs, cleaned, and cut

For the masala-

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 3 teaspoons coriander seeds
• 4 cloves
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1 inch piece of cinnamon
• 2 medium red onions, sliced thin
• 3 cloves of garlic
• ¾ cup shredded dry coconut
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 tablespoon tamarind pulp

Other ingredients-

• 2 medium onions finely diced, divided
• 1 tablespoon oil

To make the Malvani Masala Crabs-

1. Mix the marination ingredients together and rub the marinade well into the cleaned crabs. Set aside for half an hour.
2. Meanwhile, make the masala. In a frying pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Fry the coriander seeds, cloves, peppercorns and cinnamon, in that order, until the coriander seeds are deep golden brown and the other spices swell up and are fragrant. Remove from pan.
3. In the same pan, in the remaining oil, sauté the sliced onion and the garlic cloves until the onion starts to caramelize and the garlic is blistered and golden but not burnt. Add the shredded dry coconut and stir fry until it is toasted and golden. Add the chili powder and stir for a few seconds. Remove from heat.
4. Grind together all the sautéed mixture with the tamarind pulp. Add ½ of the finely diced onion to it and set it aside.
5. In a deep pan, or a pressure pan, add the tablespoon of oil and sauté the other half of the finely diced onion until it is translucent. Add the marinated crabs along with all the marinade. Add the masala paste and mix well. Add 2 cups of water and some additional salt. Cover and cook the crabs for about 20 to 25 minutes or until done. For pressure pan, cook on low for 8 minutes after the first whistle.