Archive for April 2011

Kerala Crab Curry (Njandu Curry)

Ingredients:

Crab – 1 kg (about 4 medium sized crabs)

Shallots (small onions) – 1/2 cup thinly sliced

Green chilies – 4 (slit lengthwise)

Ginger – 1 inch piece (cut into strips)

Garlic – 5-6 pods (cut lengthwise)

Chilly powder – 1 tablespoon

Coriander powder – 2 tablespoons

Turmeric powder – 1/2 teaspoon

Pepper powder – 1/2 teaspoon

Mustard seeds – 1/2 teaspoon

Curry leaves – 2 sprigs

Vinegar – 1 tablespoon

Oil – 2 tablespoons

Salt to taste

How to:

Clean and boil the crab with ginger, garlic, 2 green chillies, chilly powder, coriander powder, turmeric, pepper, vinegar and salt. (Add water if necessary)

In a pan add oil, splutter mustard seeds and sauté onions, curry leaves and remaining green chillies till the onions turn golden brown. Season with salt and a pinch of pepper. Pour this over the cooked crabs and stir. Simmer for a while (about 5 min). Remove from flame and serve hot with rice or kappa.

Mutton Chops (Kerala style)

Ingredients:

Mutton – 1/2 kg (cut into 1 inch cubes)

Onions – 1/2 kg (thinly sliced)

Green Chillies – 8 (slit lengthwise)

Ginger – 2 teaspoons (finely chopped)

Garlic – 6-8 (finely chopped)

Pepper powder – 1 1/2 teaspoon

Cinnamon powder – 1/4 teaspoon

Clove powder – 1/4 teaspoon

Fennel Powder – 1 teaspoon

Cardamom – 3 whole

Star anise – 1 whole

Vinegar – 2 tablespoons

Curry leaves – 3 sprigs

Coriander leaves – 1/2 cup

Oil – 4 tablespoons

Salt to taste

Potatoes – Julienned and deep fried

How to:

Lightly chop the mutton pieces on both sides.

Keep aside oil and potatoes. Add all the remaining ingredients to the mutton chops and marinate for 3 hours.

Cook the mutton in a heavy bottomed pan, over a low flame, till the mutton becomes soft and dry (about 30 – 40 minutes). Pour in 4 tablespoons of oil and brown the meat by stirring continuously on a medium flame. Cook till the onions are caramelized. Sprinkle chopped coriander leaves, check for seasoning and remove from flame. Garnish with deep fried potatoes and serve.