Fijian Style Crab Curry Recipe

Fijian Style Crab Curry recipes are a traditional Fijian dish that features crab as the main ingredient. It is a popular seafood-based curry in Fiji. This dish is known for its unique blend of spices and flavors, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. It combines the natural sweetness of crab meat with the savory and aromatic spices used in Fijian cuisine.

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As for health benefits, crab is a good source of protein and provides essential nutrients like vitamin B12, zinc, and selenium. These nutrients are important for maintaining good health. Additionally, the spices used in Fijian Style Crab Curry may have potential health benefits as well. For example, some spices like turmeric and ginger are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.

How To Make Our Fijian Style Crab Curry Recipe

Ingredients (8 Servings)

4-6 whole crabs shell removed
1 yellow onion sliced
3 vine tomatoes diced
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
2 teaspoons curry powder
1 sprig curry leaves
1 large pinch 3 seed mixture cumin (jeera) seeds, mustard (sarso) seeds, fenugreek (methi) seeds
1 tablespoon tamarind (imli) soaked in hot water optional
1 can unsweetened coconut milk
1 cup Water more or less
1 handful cilantro chopped
salt to taste

Liquid Mixture

5-6 cardamom
5-6 black cloves bud removed
1 star anise
2 red dried hot chilis more or less depending on how spicy you like it
1/2 cinnamon stick
1/3 1/2 cup Water
1 tablespoon ginger chopped
6 cloves garlic

Instructions

1. Heat a large cooking pot over medium heat.

a. Place the pot on the stovetop.
b. Turn the heat dial to medium.

2. Add sliced yellow onions to the pot.

a. Carefully place the sliced onions into the pot.
b. Spread them evenly across the bottom.

3. Stir in diced vine tomatoes.

a. Add the diced tomatoes to the pot.
b. Mix them with the onions.

4. Sprinkle turmeric and curry powder over the mixture.

a. Evenly distribute the turmeric and curry powder.
b. Stir to coat the ingredients with spices.

5. Pour in the liquid mixture.

a. Gently add the liquid mixture ingredients.
b. Stir to combine them with the other ingredients.

6. Add the crab.

a. Place the cleaned, shell-removed crabs into the pot.
b. Arrange them evenly.

7. Cover the pot and let it simmer.

a. Place a lid on the pot.
b. Allow it to simmer on medium-low heat.

8. Check and stir occasionally.

a. Lift the lid and check the curry.
b. Stir gently to prevent sticking.

9. Adjust seasoning if needed.

a. Taste the curry and add salt if required.
b. Adjust spice levels to your preference.

10. Serve hot.

a. Ladle the Fijian Style Crab Curry into bowls.
b. Garnish with chopped cilantro.

Estimated Prep Time: 15 minutes

Estimated Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes

 

Pots, Pan and Cooking Equipment Needed forthe Fijian Style Crab Curry Recipe

Large cooking pot
Lid for the pot

Best Way to Store Leftovers From Fijian Style Crab Curry Recipe

a. Use airtight containers.
b. Refrigerate the leftovers promptly.
c. Label the container with the date.
d. Consume within 2-3 days.
e. Reheat thoroughly before eating.

Tips and Tricks For Easier Creation

Use fresh crab for the best flavor.
Adjust the spice level to your preference.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Garnish with cilantro for freshness.
Be cautious with tamarind; add to taste.
Serve with steamed rice for a complete meal.
Share with friends and family.

Side Dishes and Desserts For the Fijian Style Crab Curry Recipe

a. Steamed jasmine rice
b. Naan bread
c. Coconut chutney
d. Pickled vegetables
e. Cucumber salad
f. Papadums
g. Roti bread

How To Serve the Cuban Fijian Style Crab Curry Recipe

a. Ladle the curry into bowls.
b. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
c. Serve hot with your choice of side dishes.
d. Enjoy this flavorful Fijian dish!
e. Share with loved ones.
f. Refrigerate leftovers promptly.

Dietary Substitution For the Fijian Style Crab Curry Recipe

1. Vegan Options for the Fijian Style Crab Curry Recipe:

a. Replace crabs with tempeh or tofu.
b. Use coconut cream instead of coconut milk.
c. Skip the tamarind or use a vegan-friendly alternative.
d. Substitute honey with agave syrup.
e. Choose a vegan curry powder without animal-derived ingredients.

2. Gluten-Free Options for the Fijian Style Crab Curry Recipe:

a. Ensure the curry powder is gluten-free.
b. Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.
c. Verify that the spices and tamarind are gluten-free.
d. Serve with gluten-free rice or cauliflower rice.
e. Check that the canned coconut milk is gluten-free.

3. Vegetarian Options for the Fijian Style Crab Curry Recipe:

a. Keep the crabs and use vegetarian curry powder.
b. Substitute vegetable broth for water.
c. Include extra vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
d. Add vegetarian protein sources like paneer or chickpeas.
e. Ensure the curry leaves are vegetarian-friendly.

4. Mediterranean Diet Options for the Fijian Style Crab Curry Recipe:

a. Incorporate extra olive oil for a Mediterranean touch.
b. Serve with quinoa or couscous instead of rice.
c. Include more tomatoes and bell peppers for a Mediterranean flavor.
d. Use fresh herbs like oregano and basil.
e. Accompany with a Greek yogurt cucumber sauce.

5. Keto Diet Options for the Fijian Style Crab Curry Recipe:

a. Replace rice with cauliflower rice.
b. Use ghee instead of vegetable oil.
c. Check for low-carb curry powder.
d. Opt for low-carb vegetables like spinach and broccoli.
e. Ensure the coconut milk is unsweetened and low in carbs.

6. Heart Healthy Diet Options for the Fijian Style Crab Curry Recipe:

a. Use lean white fish instead of crab.
b. Use light coconut milk to reduce saturated fat.
c. Substitute olive oil for vegetable oil.
d. Include extra garlic and ginger for heart health benefits.
e. Serve with brown rice or quinoa for added fiber.

7. Paleo Options for the Fijian Style Crab Curry Recipe:

a. Replace rice with cauliflower rice or sweet potato noodles.
b. Use ghee or coconut oil instead of vegetable oil.
c. Check for paleo-friendly curry powder.
d. Include more vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli.
e. Ensure the coconut milk is paleo-compliant.

8. Low Carb Options for the Fijian Style Crab Curry Recipe:

a. Serve with cauliflower rice or shirataki noodles.
b. Use a low-carb sweetener instead of honey.
c. Check for low-carb curry powder.
d. Include low-carb vegetables like spinach and asparagus.
e. Ensure the coconut milk is low in carbs.

9. Whole 30 Options for the Fijian Style Crab Curry Recipe:

a. Use compliant curry powder and spices.
b. Serve with cauliflower rice or sweet potato noodles.
c. Check for Whole 30-friendly tamarind.
d. Include approved vegetables like kale and carrots.
e. Ensure the coconut milk is Whole 30-compliant.

10. Weight Watchers Options for the Fijian Style Crab Curry Recipe:

a. Use lean white fish or shrimp instead of crab.
b. Opt for light coconut milk to reduce points.
c. Serve with cauliflower rice to lower points.
d. Check the points value of curry powder.
e. Ensure the tamarind choice is low in points.

11. Low Fat Options for the Fijian Style Crab Curry Recipe:

a. Replace coconut milk with light coconut milk.
b. Use a minimal amount of oil or cooking spray.
c. Choose a low-fat protein source like shrimp.
d. Serve with steamed vegetables for a low-fat meal.
e. Check for low-fat curry powder options.

12. Vegetable Variations for the Fijian Style Crab Curry Recipe:

a. Replace crab with a medley of roasted vegetables.
b. Use vegetable broth instead of water.
c. Add more diced vegetables like bell peppers and carrots.
d. Include extra garlic and ginger for flavor.
e. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil and mint.

It’s always recommended to check labels, choose quality ingredients, and consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized advice.

FAQ About the Fijian Style Crab Curry Recipe

What is Fijian Style Crab Curry?
Fijiani Style Crab Curry is a traditional Fijian dish made with crab and a blend of spices like turmeric and curry powder in coconut milk.

What are the key ingredients in Fijian Style Crab Curry?
The key ingredients in Fijian Style Crab Curry include crab, yellow onion, vine tomatoes, turmeric powder, curry powder, curry leaves, a mixture of cumin, mustard, and fenugreek seeds, tamarind (optional), unsweetened coconut milk, water, cilantro, and various spices for the liquid mixture.

How is Fijian Style Crab Curry typically served?
Fijian Style Crab Curry is often served hot with a side of rice or flatbread, such as naan or roti. It can also be accompanied by chutneys or pickled vegetables.

Can Fijian Style Crab Curry be made with different spice levels?
Yes, the spice level of Fijian Style Crab Curry can be adjusted to taste. The use of red dried hot chilis and curry powder allows for customization of spiciness.

Is Fijian Style Crab Curry suitable for specific dietary preferences?
Fijian Style Crab Curry can be adapted for various dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and low-carb diets, by making ingredient substitutions as needed.

Final Thoughts

The Fijian Style Crab Curry is a traditional Fijian dish featuring crab as the main ingredient, cooked with a blend of spices such as turmeric and curry powder in a creamy coconut milk base. It’s typically served hot with rice or flatbread, offering a flavorful and customizable dining experience with adjustable spice levels. This dish can be adapted to various dietary preferences, making it suitable for both meat lovers and those following vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets. The rich combination of ingredients creates a unique and satisfying culinary experience, reflecting the diverse flavors of Fiji.