One such discussion, on different combinations of a particular dish led to the culmination of this dish.A good friend had suggested the combination of Drumsthick Leaves with Crab.Interestingly this was a new and a rather unusual combination at my household.Nevertheless decided to try it and no mistake,it turned out just brilliant.So here goes,paying my allegiance to you my friend (Nagarajan Natarajan)the recipe for Crab with Drumstick Leaves.
Ingredients:
1 kg Sea Crabs
1 bunch fresh and tender drumstick leaves
1/4 cup olive oil
2 Onions chopped fine
1 large tomato roughly pureed (I smash it by hand)
1 tbsp ginger/garlic paste
1 small ball tamarind soaked in half cup warm water and strained
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp coriander powder
salt to taste
Roast and grind to a coarse powder
2 tsp cumin
1 tsp pepper
4 dried red chillies or more if you like it spicy
5 cloves
Method:
Take a heavy bottom kadai/vessel and add 1/4 cup oil.Add onions and saute till light brown,add the ginger/garlic paste and saute well.Mix in the powdered masala and saute well adding spoonfuls of water if you find it burning(at this point I lower the heat to low)add all the dry powders and the tomato and keep stirring well till it turns a deep red.Add the crabs and the greens and saute well.
After a couple of minutes turn the heat on to a higher level and add the tamarind water and mix well.Close the dish and allow it to simmer for 10 mts or so.Do keep checking to see that the crabs are coated well with all the spices.Once done remove and serve hot along with pepper rasam or sambhar.
Some tips on making this: Do not use more water than actually required.Crabs and most sea foods require very little water to cook.
Pluck the tender leaves of the drumstick tree.Don't use yellow ones.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I did in making it.
Please do remember to share and serve with love and kindness.
