Crab curry

This is my mom's speciality. when she makes it, it tastes heavenly. Over the years i have also mastered it .

Ingredients:

Crab (cleaned with shells intact) - 1 kg
grated coconut - 1 1/2 cups
roasted & ground coriander seeds (varutha malli podi) - 3 tbspn
shallots - handful
green chillies - 3-4 chopped
ginger - 1 inch piece chopped
curryleaves - 1 or 2 sprigs
chilly powder - 1 1/2 tsp
turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
mustard seeds - 1 tsp
coconut oil - 2 tbspn
salt to taste

Method:


Fry coconut in a non-stick pan till it turns light brown. let it cool. make a paste of it adding a little water. keep aside.
chop shallots & keep side .
Heat oil in a deep pan. Add mustard seeds & let it crackle. Add shallots, ginger, green chillies & curry leaves. Fry for a couple of minutes till the raw smell goes.
Add chilly powder, turmeric powder , roasted coriander powder. fry for a couple of minutes . take care not to burn it.
Add crabs with salt & little water for the crabs to cook.Close the lid & bring the curry to boil.( Add little water in the beginning .You may add more in the end if the curry is too thick.)
Now add fried coconut paste .Mix well .Bring it to a boil again. Lower the flame close lid & let it cook .
once the crabs are cooked the curry is ready.

ps: you may vary the amount of chilly powder & green chillies according to your palate .