Crab Xec Xec (Crabs in Roasted Coconut Gravy)

Ingredients

8 Crabs cut..approx 1kg (preferably mud crabs)
2 sliced onions
1tbsp tamarind pulp
Salt to marinate
Oil for frying

For ground Masala
6 garlic flakes
1"pc ginger
8 dried red chilies
1 onion sliced
2cups grated coconut
6 cloves
5 cardamons
8 peppercorns
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
1" pc cinnamon
1tsp tumeric powder

Method
Marinate crabs pieces with salt and keep aside for 30-40 mins
Roast all masala ingredients lightly (Note Grated coconut and tumeric to be roasted separately)
Grind roasted Masala to a coarse paste and set aside
Heat oil in a pan and fry the sliced onions
Add masala paste and fry for around 3-4 mins, adding little water to prevent any sticking to the pan
Add crabs, stir and then add the tamarind pulp (Option - Dissolve the tamarind pulp in a small amount of water before adding it to the gravy). Add salt ans mix well
Add 1 teacup of water (approx 150ml water) and simmer for 15mins, till done.. Ensure that the gravy does not stick to the pan
Adjust seasoning accordingly.
Serve with Goan bread.


**Gratitude to Chef Rego for these fabulous Goan Recipes who has inspired me to "Going Goan" . Please note minor changes have been made at the time of cooking but the ingredients stay the same.