• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Whisk Affair
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Indian Recipes
  • Meal Type
    • Salads
    • Soups
    • Appetizers
    • Main Course
    • Desserts
  • My Cookbook
    • My E-Books
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Christmas Recipes
  • Cookbooks
  • Contact
  • About Neha
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Recipe Index
    • Christmas Recipes
    • Cookbooks
    • Contact
    • About Neha
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Whisk Affair » Recipes » Chicken Curries

    Published: Aug 30, 2018 | Last Updated On: Jan 18, 2022 by Neha Mathur

    Kerala Crab Curry (Njandu Curry)

    684 shares
    Jump to Recipe

    Try this easy and flavourful Kerala Crab Curry or Najnadu Curry where crab is cooked with a freshly ground coconut masala. Here is how to make it.

    You can try a few more delicious recipes from Kerala – Kerala Prawn Curry, Kerala Egg Curry, Moru Curry, Kerala Style Fish Moilee, Kerala Fish Curry, Kerala Style Chicken Stew, Kerala Style Sambar and Kerala Style Pineapple Pachadi.

    Kerala Crab Curry or Njandu Curry is crab cooked with spices & cooconut milk. There is a hint of sour from Kudampuli which gives it a very traditional taste.

    About This Recipe

    Crab is simmered in a spicy tangy gravy prepared with freshly ground coconut masala and a few more simple ingredients. It uses local ingredients such as kudampuli and Kerala garam masala which makes this curry taste quite different and unique.

    Kerala crab curry is quite popular in toddy shops in Kerala and is mostly enjoyed with a glass of sweet toddy especially on a hot summer day. It is best served with steamed rice, Kerala parotta or appam for your everyday meals.

    Ingredients

    Crab – Get fresh crab meat from your local grocery’s sea food counter. If you don’t have fresh crab meat available, you can use frozen crab meat as well.

    Oil – Use coconut oil for authentic traditional flavour.

    Kudampuli – Kudampuli is a dried Malabar tamarind that adds that perfect amount of sour and tangy flavour in the curry.

    Kerala garam masala – Kerala garam masala is a bit different from the regular garam masala. You can find my homemade recipe here – Kerala Garam Masala.

    Others – Fenugreek seeds, curry leaves, green chillies, onion, tomato and salt.

    Freshly ground coconut masala – This recipe uses freshly ground coconut masala which adds the most taste in this curry. It is prepared with fresh coconut, shallots, ginger, coriander powder, turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chilli powder and black peppercorn.

    Use of Kashmiri red chilli powder adds nice red colour without making it too spicy.

    For tempering – This crab curry is tempered with coconut oil, mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, dry red chillies, curry leaves and shallots.

    Serving Suggestions

    Kerala Crab Curry can be served with steamed rice, Kerala parotta, appam, ghee roast dosa, iddiyappam or even idli.

    Storage Suggestions

    It will last for 2-3 days when stored in an air tight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in a pan or microwave until hot and serve again.

    You might also like

    Kerala Garam Masala

    Kerala Fish Curry

    Ulli Theeyal

    Fish Molee

    Recipe Card

    Loved this recipe?Click here to leave a review and give us a five star rating ★★★★★
    Kerala Crab Curry or Njandu Curry is crab cooked with spices & cooconut milk. There is a hint of sour from Kudampuli which gives it a very traditional taste.

    Kerala Crab Curry Recipe

    Kerala Crab Curry or Njandu Curry is crab cooked with spices & cooconut milk. There is a hint of sour from Kudampuli which gives it a very traditional taste. 
    4.63 from 16 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Indian
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 people
    Calories: 264kcal
    Author: Neha Mathur

    Ingredients 

    • 500 g Crab (Cleaned)
    • 2 tablespoon Coconut Oil
    • ¼ teaspoon Fenugreek Seeds
    • 10-12 Curry Leaves
    • 3-4 Green Chillies (Slit into half)
    • ½ cup Onion (Sliced)
    • ½ cup Tomato (Sliced)
    • 2-3 pieces Kudampuli (Soaked in warm water for 10 minutes)
    • ½ teaspoon Kerala Garam Masala
    • Salt to taste

    For the coconut paste

    • 1 cup Fresh Coconut (Grated)
    • 4-6 Shallots (Sliced)
    • 1 teaspoon Ginger (Grated)
    • 1 teaspoon Coriander Powder
    • ½ teaspoon Turmeric powder
    • 2 teaspoon Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder
    • 1 teaspoon Black Peppercorn

    For tempering

    • 1 tablespoon Coconut Oil
    • ½ teaspoon Mustard Seeds
    • ¼ teaspoon Fenugreek seeds
    • 2-3 Dry Red Chillies
    • 10-12 Curry Leaves
    • 4-5 Shallots (Sliced)
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Add all the ingredients for the coconut paste in a blender and blend to make a smooth paste.
    • Use little water while making the paste.
    • Heat 2 tablespoon coconut oil in a pan.
    • Once the oil is hot, add fenugreek seeds and curry leaves and let them crackle for a few seconds.
    • Add green chilli and onion and fry until onion turns translucent.
    • Add tomato and the prepared coconut paste.
    • Cook for a minute.
    • Add Kudampuli, 2 cups of water, Kerala Garam Masala, salt to taste and crab.
    • Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes.
    • Add more water if required and bring the curry to a boil.
    • Heat 1 tablespoon coconut oil for tempering.
    • Once the oil is hot, add mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, dry red chillies, and curry leaves and let them crackle for a few seconds.
    • Add shallots and fry until slightly browned.
    • Pour the tempering over the crab curry.
    • Serve hot with rice.

    Notes

    Use Tamarind paste if Kudampuli is not available.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 264kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 410mg | Potassium: 488mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 960IU | Vitamin C: 148.1mg | Calcium: 74mg | Iron: 2.2mg
    Pin this recipe for later use!I LOVE to see your creations so pin and mention @WhiskAffair!
    Sign up for regular updates?I would love to have you as part of my journey. Click to sign up!

    More Chicken Curry Recipes

    • Chicken Rogan Josh is a traditional Kashmiri chicken curry where chicken pieces are cooked in a thin spicy curry flavored with fennel seeds and dried ginger powder. Make this authentic recipe at home using my easy instructions.
      Chicken Rogan Josh
    • Chicken Chettinad Curry is a fiery hot and delicious traditional curry from the Chettinad region of South India. Make it using my easy recipe at home.
      Chicken Chettinad Curry
    • Dahi Chicken is an Indian chicken curry with chicken pieces cooked in a yogurt-based sauce. Serve it with roti, naan, or rice for a hearty meal.
      Easy Dahi Chicken (Yogurt Chicken Curry)
    • Badami Chicken Curry is a rich North Indian style curry with chicken pieces cooked in a gravy prepared with almonds (badam). Serve it with naan or tandoori roti for a festive meal or get-together (gluten-free).
      Badami Chicken Curry

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Did you make this recipe? Let me know! Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating





    1. Biswadeep Ray

      June 25, 2020 at 9:37 am

      My sister tried this out today!
      It was delicious 🙂
      Thanks Neha

      Reply
      • Neha Mathur

        June 26, 2020 at 3:43 pm

        Happy to hear 🙂

        Reply
    2. Neetu Arjun

      June 04, 2020 at 3:40 pm

      5 stars
      I tried this recipe with no experience of cooking crab and it turned out so amazing, that, crab curry is now a regular at our house.. My kids who are 4 and 6 years old love it too!!
      Thank you for a wonderful recipe..

      Reply
      • Neha Mathur

        June 05, 2020 at 1:21 am

        Very happy to hear this Neetu!

        Reply
    3. Kevin Nelson

      April 14, 2020 at 10:32 pm

      U haven’t mentioned when to add Crab.. lol

      Reply
      • Neha Mathur

        April 15, 2020 at 4:23 am

        It’s mentioned. Please check.

        Reply
    4. Narmie

      May 22, 2019 at 10:13 am

      5 stars
      I tried this recipe and it was amazing! It was simple to follow but the flavour was out of this world!

      Reply
      • Neha Mathur

        May 22, 2019 at 11:28 am

        Thnx a lot 🙂

        Reply
    5. Chella

      February 24, 2019 at 2:59 pm

      5 stars
      Loveeed making this recipe . My forever one for crab. Hugs and thanks

      Reply
      • Neha Mathur

        February 25, 2019 at 7:20 am

        I am so glad you liked it.

        Reply
    6. Ravindran Kotieth

      March 05, 2018 at 4:20 pm

      5 stars
      Neha, this is a brilliant recipe…we are from Kerala…:). Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Neha Mathur

        March 06, 2018 at 3:07 am

        Thnx a lot for liking 🙂

        Reply
    7. Melissa Griffiths

      December 02, 2017 at 2:20 am

      I love curry and I love crab – this sound awesome!

      Reply
      • Neha Mathur

        December 02, 2017 at 10:19 am

        Thnx 🙂

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Hey! Nice to meet you

    Neha Mathur, Founder & Recipe Expert at Whisk Affair

    Hi! I’m Neha, Blogger & Recipe Expert behind Whisk Affair. I’ve nurtured Whisk Affair since 2012 by trying & testing every recipe published. Be sure that it will turn out good each time! Read More about me…

    My Cookbook

    Neha's Cookbook Cover

    Click to Buy Now on Amazon

    Most Popular Recipes

    • Make this delicious restaurant-style Hibachi Fried Rice (Japanese Style Fried Rice) for a quick Asian-inspired meal. Serve it with Hibachi chicken and Yum Yum sauce and get transported to a Japanese Steakhouse.
      Best Hibachi Fried Rice (Japanese Style Fried Rice)
    • This oven-baked lemon garlic baked tilapia is super easy to make and comes together in under 20 minutes. It's low carb, gluten-free, keto-friendly, and very flavorful. Here is how to make it.
      Spicy Lemon Garlic Baked Tilapia
    • Creamy Garlic Parmesan sauce served in a bowl.
      Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
    • Lemon tea served in cups.
      Lemon Tea
    • Light, hearty and delicious, Chicken Clear Soup is super easy to make at home. It is made using simple ingredients and comes together in under 30 minutes. This soul-soothing soup is gluten-free and low carb too.
      Chicken Clear Soup
    • Egg White Scramble is a healthy, fluffy, and delicious option for breakfast. Serve it with some toast and fruits and milk on the side. Here is how to make the best fluffy scrambled egg white recipe at home!
      Scrambled Egg Whites

    Christmas Recipes

    • Make these light, soft, and fluffy Gingerbread Pancakes this holiday season. These are loaded with warm winter flavors and come together in under 30 minutes.
      Gingerbread Pancakes
    • Make this perfectly sweet and creamy Starbucks Copycat Gingerbread Latte at home in just 10 minutes. This drink is full of festive flavors and can be made hot or iced (gluten-free, vegetarian).
      Gingerbread Latte
    • Baileys Hot Chocolate is nothing but your classic hot chocolate spiked with Baileys (Irish cream liqueur). This rich, creamy, and chocolaty drink comes together in just 5 minutes using simple ingredients.
      Baileys Hot Chocolate
    • 2 Minute Microwave Gingerbread Mug Cake screams holiday. This eggless dessert for one is loaded with warm winter flavors and comes together in just 2 minutes. Make it to bring some holiday cheer this season!
      Gingerbread Mug Cake
    • Espresso Hot Chocolate is your regular hot chocolate with a shot of coffee. Make this comforting drink this winter for some holiday cheer!
      Espresso Hot Chocolate
    • Made with real ingredients, this rich, creamy, and delicious, Instant Pot Hot Chocolate gets ready in under 10 minutes. Make this gluten-free drink for cold winter evenings.
      Instant Pot Hot Chocolate

    Recently Trending

    • Dry Bhindi Masala (Indian Okra Stir Fry) is a very popular North Indian dish made using okra, onions, tomatoes, and spices. This sabji is super easy to make and comes together in under 30 minutes (vegan, gluten-free).
      Dry Bhindi Masala (Indian Okra Stir Fry)
    • Vindaloo is a Portuguese-influenced Goan dish made by cooking meat with spices and vinegar. Learn to make chicken vindaloo in a traditional way using my easy recipe.
      Goan Chicken Vindaloo Curry
    • Make restaurant-style Tandoori Roti at home using my easy recipe. This Indian bread is soft in the center and crisp at the edges and it is traditionally made in clay ovens (tandoor). You can make it at home on a tawa over the stovetop or in an oven.
      Tandoori Roti (Stovetop + Oven)
    • Make Indo-Chinese takeout copycat Veg Hakka Noodles at home using my easy recipe. They come together in under 30 minutes using simple ingredients (vegan).
      Indo-Chinese Veg Hakka Noodles
    • Shrimp Mei Fun (Rice Noodles Stir Fry, Shrimp Mai Fun) is an Asian preparation made using rice noodles, shrimp, and sauces. Make this take-out favorite at home using my easy recipe.
      Shrimp Mei Fun (Rice Noodles Stir Fry)
    • Make traditional Thai Chicken Panang Curry at home in under 30 minutes using my easy recipe. It is much more flavorful than your favorite take-out
      Thai Chicken Panang Curry

    Footer


    ^ back to top

    About

    About Neha

    Diwali E-Book

    My Cookbook

    Stay Connected

    Sign up! for emails and updates

    Contact Me

    • Instagram
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
    • Twitter

    Policies

    Privacy Policy

    Terms & Conditions

    Accessibility Policy

    Featured In:

    Whiskaffair has been featured in leading media including the huffington post, bloomberg quint, buzz feed, your story and many more

    Copyright © 2023 WhiskAffair Food LLP