Last Updated on November 3, 2023
Crab shala is an Indian-inspired dish made with crab meat, a blend of flavorful spices, and other ingredients. It is a popular dish in India, and it is now gaining popularity in the US due to its unique flavor and easy preparation. This dish is perfect for any occasion and is sure to delight your guests.
What is Crab Shala?
As mentioned above, Crab shala is a regional dish which is usually only seen in the coastal areas. It is an Indian-inspired dish that is made with a mix of crab meat, spices, and other ingredients. The dish is usually served with steamed rice, naan, or other Indian flatbreads.
What does it taste like?
It has a unique flavor that is a mix of spicy and sweet. The crab meat is cooked with a blend of spices like cumin, turmeric, garam masala, and coriander. It is also cooked with a mix of onions, tomatoes, and ginger. The sweetness comes from the addition of coconut milk, which adds a creamy texture to the dish.
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Ingredients
The ingredients for Crab Shala are simple but flavorful. The main ingredients are:
- Crab Meat : The main ingredient of the dish is crab meat. It is important to use fresh or canned crab meat for the best flavor. You can use any type of crab meat, such as lump, claw, or jumbo.
- Tomatoes : Crushed canned tomatoes are used in this recipe to create a rich and flavorful base for the sauce.
- Onions and Garlic : These add depth and aroma to the dish. Make sure to mince the garlic finely for better distribution of flavor.
- White Wine : Dry white wine is used to deglaze the pan and add acidity to balance out the spices.
- Heavy Cream : This adds a creamy texture and balances out the spiciness of the dish.
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Heat oil
In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the onions and cook until they are soft and translucent. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 2: Add spices
Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Deglaze with wine
Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce the liquid and intensify the flavors.
Step 4: Add tomatoes
Stir in the crushed canned tomatoes and let them cook for about 5 minutes, until they have softened and created a rich sauce.
Step 5: Season and add crab meat
Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preference. Then gently fold in the crab meat, being careful not to break it apart too much. Let it cook for about 10 minutes or until the crab is heated through.
Step 6: Add cream
Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently as you pour. This will create a creamy and luxurious sauce.
Step 7: Simmer
Let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes to thicken and allow all the flavors to meld together.
Step 8: Garnish and serve
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving over your choice of pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Tips
* Make sure to use fresh crab meat for the best flavor.
* If you want the dish to be spicier, add more spices to the mixture.
* If you don’t have coconut milk, you can substitute it with heavy cream.
* If you want a thicker consistency, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water to the dish.
* The dish can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve.
* If you don’t have access to fresh crab meat, you can use canned crab meat.
Nutrition Information
One serving of this delicious Crab Shala dish contains approximately:
- 380 calories
- 25g protein
- 15g carbohydrates
- 20g fat
- 1.5g fiber
This dish is a good source of protein and healthy fats, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal option. It is also low in carbohydrates and can be easily adapted to fit different dietary restrictions by using gluten-free or dairy-free substitutes.
What to serve with Crab Shala Recipe?
Crab Shala is usually served with steamed rice, naan, or other Indian flatbreads. It can also be served with chapati, pulao, or biryani. It can also be served with a side of vegetables such as steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach.
How to store leftover Crab Shala Recipe?
Leftover Crab Shala can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
What other substitutes can I use in Crab Shala Recipe?
If you don’t have access to fresh crab meat, you can use canned crab meat. You can also substitute the coconut milk with heavy cream. Other substitutes for the spices include curry powder or chili powder. You can also use frozen crab meat instead of fresh.
Equipment
- Skillet
- Spatula
- Bowl etc
Ingredients
- 2 lb fresh or canned Crab meat
- 2 cups crushed Canned tomatoes
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Red pepper flakes
- 5 cloves minced Garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup white wine Dry
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 2 onions diced
- Basil or fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cook for an additional minute.
- Pour in white wine and let it simmer for 5 minutes to reduce the liquid.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and let it cook for another 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Gently fold in the crab meat, making sure not to break it apart too much.
- Let it cook on medium-low heat for about 10 minutes or until the crab is heated through.
- Slowly pour in heavy cream, stirring gently as you pour.
- Let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes to thicken.
- Garnish with parsley or basil before serving.
- Serve hot over your choice of pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Notes
- Make sure to use fresh crab meat for the best flavor.
- If you want the dish to be spicier, add more spices to the mixture.
- If you don’t have coconut milk, you can substitute it with heavy cream.
- If you want a thicker consistency, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water to the dish.
- The dish can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve.
- If you don’t have access to fresh crab meat, you can use canned crab meat.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the origin of Crab Shala?
Crab Shala is an Indian-inspired dish that has been popular in India for centuries. It is gaining popularity in the US due to its unique flavor and easy preparation.
Can I use frozen crab meat for this dish?
Yes, you can use frozen crab meat for this dish. Just make sure to thaw it before adding it to the mixture.
Can I use canned crab meat for this dish?
Yes, you can use canned crab meat for this dish. Just make sure to drain the excess liquid before adding it to the mixture.
How can I adjust the spice level of this dish?
You can adjust the spice level of this dish by adding more or less of the spices. If you want the dish to be spicier, add more spices to the mixture.
Is Crab Shala healthy?
Yes, Crab Shala is a healthy dish. It is low in calories and fat but high in protein. It also contains a variety of vitamins and minerals.
Conclusion
Crab Shala is an Indian-inspired dish that is made with a mix of crab meat, spices, and other ingredients. It is a popular dish in India and is gaining popularity in the US due to its unique flavor and easy preparation.
The dish is usually served with steamed rice, naan, or other Indian flatbreads. It is a healthy and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion.
Why don’t you try this recipe today? I am sure you will love this.
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Rebecca Novak is a trained chef with over 10 years of experience in the food industry. She has worked in both fine dining and casual Hungarian restaurants and specializes in creating dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. She also loves exploring different cuisines worldwide, which allows her to bring unique flavors and ideas to the recipes she creates for Hungarianchef.com. Read more
