Nandu Kulambu Recipe

Ingredients:
Soft-Shelled Crabs - 4, small
Onions - 1/4 cup, finely chopped
Tomatoes - 1/4 cup, chopped
Garlic - 4 to 6 cloves, halved
Turmeric Powder - 1/2 tsp
Salt - 1/2 tsp
Tamarind Paste - 1/2 tsp
Tomato Sauce - 1/2 cup

For the Spice Powder:
Dried Red Chillies - 4
Coriander Seeds - 1 tsp
Fennel Seeds - 1 tsp
Flaked Desiccated Coconut - 3 tsp

For the Tempering:
Oil - 4 tblsp
Curry Leaves - 4 to 6
Fennel Seeds - 1/2 tsp
Cumin Seeds - 1/2 tsp

Method:
1. Wash and cut the crabs.
2. Set aside.
3. Blend the spice powder ingredients to a fine consistency.
4. Put the oil in a wide pan over medium heat.
5. When the oil is hot, add the curry leaves, fennel seeds and cumin seeds.
6. Fry over medium heat, till the seeds are light brown.
7. Add the onions, tomatoes and garlic.
8. Saute till onions are translucent.
9. Mix in the turmeric powder.
10. Add crabs and stir-fry gently for a minute or two.
11. Mix in the ground spice powder, salt, tamarind paste and tomato sauce.
12. Add 1 cup of warm water and cook for a few minutes till it is thick.
13. Serve with rice.