Speak of Crabs, and the unforgettable taste of the Xec -Xec Curry revisits the Goan palate making one salivate! Among the many ways to cook crab, the Crab Xec-Xec is enjoyed for its dense flavor, and for the how it compliments the subtle, delicious test of soft , white crab meat...
Ingredients:-
For the Xec -Xec Curry Paste :
4 (heaped) tsp Coriander Seeds
1 (heaped) tsp Cumin Seeds
6 Cloves
12 Black Pappercorns
1" Cinnamon
4 dried , red chilly's
4 dried Kashmiri red chilly's
1 Medium size onion slices
4 Garlic cloves slices
1/2" Ginger slices
1 Cup of Fresh, grated coconut
1/4 tsp Turmeric power
Water , as need
For the Crab Claws :
The above paste
Cleaned, cut and washed Crab pieces (3 Crabs)
2-3 tsp Oil
1 Large Onion chopped
1 Large Tomato chopped
Salt to Test
1/2 tsp Sugar or to test
1 slit green chilly
Coriander leaves chopped
For the Crab Claws :
Boil the intact with 1/2 cup of water and 1 tsp of salt for 8-10 minutes (depending on their size); crack open with crab cutter/the teeth of multipurpose scissors and retrieve the soft meat , season with salt and pepper.
For the dip, melt salted butter with freshly chopped Coriander (and Garlic optional).
Cooking Method :-
At fast Cleaning the crab , Twist and pull off the large claws, cut and clean the Crab as shown, pull away the shell & clean the inside. We only need the white meat, Cut of the gills & other non-white matter. After cutting , Wash the crab well & set aside.
Then in a pan 4 tsp coriander seeds, 1 tsp Cumin seeds, 6 Cloves, 12 peppercorns, 1" Cinnamon, 4 red chilies, 4 Kashmiri chilies, Dry roast the spices till aromatic; set aside.
In the same pan, roast 1 medium Onion, 4 Garlic cloves, 1/2" Ginger Till browned.
Then in the same pan roasted 1 cup fresh grated Coconut till lightly browned.
Then grind the spices with 1/4 tsp Turmeric to a fine power then add the Onions, Garlic, Ginger & Water (as needed) and grind into a thick but fine paste.
And then Finally, add the roasted Coconut and grind; keep this coarse.
Now we will stated the Curry..... then in a curry pan Heat some oil in a vessel Sauté 1 onion finely chopped, Next add 1 Tomato finely chopped then add some salt, mix & cover to accelerate the cooking.
When soft & pulpy, add the crab pieces & season with salt. Give it a good mix cover and cook for 3 minutes on a medium flame. Then, spoon in the prepared Curry paste. Mix to coat the crab well;
Cook on medium-high.
Then add about 1 cup of Water, rinsing the jar, Xec-Xec is thick but adjust as per preference. stir it well; cover & cook on a low flame for about 8 minutes, then add 1/2 tsp of Sugar 1 Slit green Chili, some chopped coriander leaves, Stir well; if needed, add water to adjust consistency.
Check for seasoning, Covered and cook on low flame for another 2 minutes.
And that's ready to be a Served