How to Make Delicious Crab Shala: A Spicy and Savory Dish from India

Hello, Good News! Welcome to another article where we share with you some of the best recipes from around the world. Today, we are going to show you how to make crab shala, a spicy and savory dish from India that is sure to impress your family and friends.

Crab shala is a dish that originated in the coastal regions of India, where seafood is abundant and fresh. It is made with crab meat, onions, tomatoes, coconut milk, and a blend of spices that give it a rich and complex flavor. Crab shala can be served with rice, roti, or naan bread, and is perfect for a special occasion or a weekend treat.

What is Crab Shala?

Crab shala is a type of curry that is made with crab meat and a thick sauce. The word “shala” means “sauce” in Hindi, and it refers to the creamy and spicy sauce that coats the crab pieces. The sauce is made with onions, tomatoes, coconut milk, and a variety of spices such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala, red chili powder, and salt. The sauce can be adjusted to your taste by adding more or less chili powder or coconut milk.

Crab shala is usually made with fresh or frozen crab meat that is cleaned and cooked before adding to the sauce. You can use any kind of crab meat, such as blue crab, king crab, snow crab, or Dungeness crab. You can also use whole crabs or crab legs if you prefer. The crab meat adds a sweet and succulent flavor to the dish, as well as a nice texture contrast to the smooth sauce.

How to Clean and Cook Crab Meat

If you are using fresh crab meat, you will need to clean and cook it before making the shala. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Rinse the crab under cold water and remove any dirt or debris.
2. Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut off the claws and legs from the body.
3. Crack open the claws and legs with a nutcracker or a hammer and remove the meat. You can also use your fingers to pull out the meat.
4. Turn over the body and pry off the shell with your fingers or a knife.
5. Remove the gills, which are the feathery organs on the sides of the body. Discard them along with the shell.
6. Scrape off the yellowish substance called “mustard”, which is the crab’s digestive organ. Some people like to eat it, but others find it bitter.
7. Cut the body into quarters and remove the meat from each section.
8. Transfer the crab meat to a bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.

If you are using frozen crab meat, you will need to thaw it before making the shala. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Place the frozen crab meat in a colander and run cold water over it until it is thawed.
2. Drain the excess water and pat dry with paper towels.
3. Transfer the crab meat to a bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.

How to Make Crab Shala Sauce

The sauce for crab shala is easy to make with a few simple ingredients. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Heat some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chopped onions and cook until soft and golden, stirring occasionally.
3. Add minced garlic and ginger and cook for another minute, stirring frequently.
4. Add tomato paste and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
5. Add turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala, red chili powder, salt, and sugar and cook for another minute, stirring well to combine.
6. Add coconut milk and bring the mixture to a boil.
7. Reduce the heat and simmer the sauce until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.
8. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

How to Make Crab Shala

Ingredients

To make crab shala, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1/4 cup of oil
• 2 large onions, chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 inch of ginger, minced
• 1/4 cup of tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon of turmeric
• 1 teaspoon of cumin
• 1 teaspoon of coriander
• 1 teaspoon of garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder (or more to taste)
• 1 teaspoon of salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon of sugar (optional)
• 2 cups of coconut milk
• 4 cups of cooked crab meat (fresh or frozen)
• 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro (for garnish)

Directions

To make crab shala, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Make the sauce as described above.
2. Add the crab meat to the sauce and stir gently to coat.
3. Cover the skillet and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the crab meat is heated through.
4. Sprinkle some chopped cilantro over the dish and serve hot with rice, roti, or naan bread.

A Detailed Table Breakdown Related to Crab Shala

To help you understand more about crab shala, we have prepared a detailed table breakdown that shows the nutritional facts, health benefits, and possible variations of this dish. Here is the table:

Nutritional Facts	Health Benefits	Possible Variations
A serving of crab shala (about 1 cup) has about 400 calories, 25 grams of fat, 15 grams of carbohydrates, and 30 grams of protein. Crab shala is a good source of protein, which helps build and repair muscles, tissues, and organs. Crab shala is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which help lower inflammation, improve brain function, and protect against heart disease and stroke. Crab shala provides some vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B12, zinc, selenium, iron, and copper, which support various bodily functions and immune system.	Crab shala can help you lose weight by keeping you full and satisfied for longer. The protein and fat in the dish can curb your appetite and prevent overeating. Crab shala can help you lower your cholesterol levels by providing healthy fats that can reduce the bad LDL cholesterol and increase the good HDL cholesterol. Crab shala can help you fight infections by boosting your immunity. The spices in the dish have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties that can ward off germs and diseases. Crab shala can help you improve your mood by stimulating the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates happiness and well-being. The crab meat and coconut milk in the dish contain tryptophan, an amino acid that is a precursor to serotonin.	You can make crab shala with different types of seafood, such as shrimp, lobster, scallops, or fish. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. You can make crab shala with different types of milk, such as almond milk, cashew milk, or soy milk. Just make sure they are unsweetened and have a creamy consistency. You can make crab shala with different types of spices, such as curry powder, paprika, fenugreek, or mustard seeds. Just experiment with different combinations and amounts. You can make crab shala with different types of herbs, such as mint, basil, or parsley. Just add them at the end for a fresh flavor and aroma.

FAQs About Crab Shala

What is the origin of crab shala?

Crab shala is a dish that originated in the coastal regions of India, where seafood is abundant and fresh. It is influenced by the local cuisine and culture, as well as by the colonial history and trade. Crab shala is a fusion of Indian and Portuguese flavors, as the Portuguese introduced tomatoes and coconut milk to India during their occupation in the 16th century.

How long does crab shala last in the fridge?

Crab shala can last for up to 3 days in the fridge if stored in an airtight container. To reheat it, you can microwave it for a few minutes or heat it on the stove over low-medium heat until warm. You may need to add some water or coconut milk to thin out the sauce if it becomes too thick.How do you serve crab shala?

Crab shala is best served hot with rice, roti, or naan bread. You can also serve it with some salad, raita, or pickle for a complete meal. Thewarta is a yogurt-based condiment that is often paired with spicy dishes to balance the heat and add some freshness. Here is how you can make a simple cucumber raita to go with your crab shala:

1. Peel and grate one large cucumber and squeeze out the excess water.
2. In a bowl, whisk one cup of plain yogurt with some salt, pepper, and sugar to taste.
3. Add the grated cucumber and some chopped mint leaves to the yogurt and mix well.
4. Refrigerate the raita for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your crab shala with raita and let us know how you liked it!