Last Updated on November 27, 2023
Crab Shala is a popular Indian dish, typically served as a side dish. It is a delicious and nutritious delicacy that combines a variety of flavors and ingredients. The dish is easy to make and can be served with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
What is Crab Shala Recipe?
Crab Shala recipe is a traditional, spicy, and flavorful Indian dish. It is a combination of ingredients like cooked crabs, Indian spices, and a sauce made from freshly ground spices and mustard oil. This dish is usually served as a side dish with curries, rice, or other main courses.
Why You’ll Love this Crab Shala Recipe?
This delightful crab shala recipe is sure to please everyone. It is a great way to enjoy the flavors of the sea and the spices of India. The dish is easy to prepare and can be served with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Plus, it is a nutritious and healthy dish that is packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals.
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The Ingredients
The ingredients for this delicious crab shala recipe include:
- Shallot: Flavor
- Garlic: Aroma
- Bay Leaves: Aroma
- Bell Pepper: Flavor
- Tomato Sauce: Base
- Spaghetti: Base
- Blue Crabs: Protein
- Olive Oil: Flavor
- Tomato Puree: Base
- Lemon: Citrus
- Sea Salt: Seasoning
- Lemon Pepper: Seasoning
Step by Step Instructions
STEP 1 – Preparation of the Crabs:
Clean the live blue crabs thoroughly by removing the top shell, gills, and the innards.Rinse the cleaned crabs under cold water and set them aside.
STEP 2 – Crab Flavor Base:
Heat a large, deep pan or pot over medium heat and add a drizzle of infused olive oil. Sauté the shallots, garlic, and bay leaves until fragrant and slightly golden. Add the diced crimson bell pepper and continue cooking until softened.
STEP 3 – Tomato Sauce Preparation:
Pour in the rich tomato sauce and velvety tomato puree into the pan, stirring well to combine. Season the sauce with a pinch of sea salt and tangy lemon pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer gently over low heat, letting the flavors meld together while you prepare the crabs.
STEP 4 – Cooking the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the artisanal spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
STEP 5 – Cooking the Crabs:
In a separate large pan or pot, heat some infused olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cleaned blue crabs to the hot oil and sauté them until they turn a vibrant red color and the shells start to crisp up slightly.
STEP 6 – Combining the Crab and Sauce:
Gently place the sautéed crabs into the simmering tomato sauce. Squeeze the juice of the zesty lemons over the sauce for a citrusy kick. Allow the crabs to simmer in the sauce for about 10-15 minutes, ensuring they are fully cooked and infused with the flavors.
STEP 7 – Final Assembly:
In a large serving bowl or individual plates, place a generous serving of the cooked artisanal spaghetti. Ladle the crab-infused tomato sauce over the pasta, ensuring each serving gets a good amount of sauce and a couple of crabs. Garnish with some fresh herbs or a drizzle of additional infused olive oil for added flavor.
STEP 8 – Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the Crab Shala hot, accompanied by crusty bread or a side salad, if desired. Encourage diners to extract the succulent crab meat from the shells and enjoy the flavorful pasta dish!
Notes
• Make sure to use fresh crabs for the best flavor.
• Use a blender to make the masala paste for the best flavor.
• You can adjust the spices according to your taste.
• Cook the onions until they are golden brown for the best flavor.
• Cook the tomatoes and crab for five minutes to ensure the flavors blend together.
• Add salt to taste.
• Serve with rice or other accompaniments.
Nutrition Information
One serving of crab shala contains approximately 200 calories, 11 grams of fat, 17 grams of protein, and 3 grams of fiber. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, calcium, and iron.
How to Store Crab Shala Recipe?
This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container.
Variations
• Vegetarian Version- For a vegetarian version, replace the crabs with potato cubes or cooked chickpeas.
• Coconut Milk – Coconut milk can be added to the dish for a creamy texture and flavor.
• Lemon Juice – Lemon juice can be added to the dish for a citrusy flavor.
• Garlic- Garlic can be added to the dish for an extra kick of flavor.
• Cilantro- Cilantro can be added for extra flavor and garnish.
• Cumin Seeds – Cumin seeds can be added to the dish to enhance the flavor.
Equipment
- Pot
- pan
Ingredients
- 1/2 shallot any variety, finely chopped
- 8 cloves garlic minced
- 8 fragrant bay leaves
- 1 crimson bell pepper finely diced with seeds
- 4 cans 8 oz (224 grm) of rich tomato sauce
- 8 cloves garlic minced
- 2 box 2 lb of artisanal spaghetti
- 24 plump live blue crabs
- 2 bottle 8 oz (224 grm) of infused olive oil
- 2 can 8 oz (224 grm) of velvety tomato puree
- 2 zesty lemon
- Pinch of sea salt and tangy lemon pepper to taste
- 24 plump live blue crabs
Instructions
STEP 1 – Preparation:
- Rinse The Blue Crabs Thoroughly Under Cold Water. Pat Them Dry And Set Aside.
STEP 2 – Create The Base:
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced bell pepper, shallot, and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and the vegetables are softened, for about 5-7 minutes.
STEP 3 – Infuse The Flavors:
- Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato puree, bay leaves, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Season with salt and lemon pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer gently over low heat for around 20-25 minutes, letting the flavors meld together beautifully.
STEP 4 – Prepare The Crabs:
- While the sauce is simmering, prepare the crabs. Carefully break off the claws and crack them slightly to allow the flavors to penetrate during cooking. Clean out any visible debris from the body of the crabs.
STEP 5 – Introduce The Crabs:
- Gently place the prepared crabs into the simmering sauce, making sure they are submerged. Cover the skillet and let the crabs cook in the sauce for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until they turn a vibrant red color and the meat is tender.
STEP 6 – Cook The Pasta:
- In a separate pot, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain it once it’s cooked al dente.
STEP 7 – Serve:
- Plate the cooked spaghetti and ladle the flavorful Crab Shala sauce over the top. Place a few crabs on each serving, garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of lemon zest for an extra touch of brightness, and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the nutritional value of crab shala?
One serving of crab shala contains approximately 200 calories, 11 grams of fat, 17 grams of protein, and 3 grams of fiber. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, calcium, and iron.
2. How long can I store crab shala recipe?
This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container.
3. What are the variations of crab shala recipe?
Some variations of the dish include a vegetarian version, adding coconut milk, lemon juice, garlic, cilantro, and cumin seeds.
4. What are the ingredients of crab shala recipe?
The ingredients for this dish include cooked crabs, Indian spices, mustard oil, ginger-garlic paste, onions, tomatoes, curry leaves, salt, and cilantro.
5. Is crab shala a healthy dish?
Yes, crab shala is a healthy dish that is packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals.
6. What is the best way to prepare crabs for crab shala recipe?
The best way to prepare crabs for this dish is to steam or boil them prior to use. This helps to bring out the flavor and texture of the crab.
7. Can I adjust the spices according to my taste?
Yes, you can adjust the spices according to your taste.
Conclusion
In conclusion, crab shala is a delicious and nutritious Indian dish that is easy to make and can be served with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
The ingredients for this dish include cooked crabs, Indian spices, mustard oil, ginger-garlic paste, onions, tomatoes, curry leaves, salt, and cilantro.
This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days and can be served with rice or other accompaniments.
There are also several variations of the dish such as a vegetarian version, adding coconut milk, lemon juice, garlic, cilantro, and cumin seeds. This delightful dish is sure to please everyone and is a great way to enjoy the flavors of the sea and the spices of India.