Spicy, Saucy, and Straight From the Coast, Maharashtrian Crab Curries are a Mood

Maharashtra’s seafood culture is as diverse as its coastline, with each community bringing its unique touch to crab curry, locally known as Kurlya Chi Amti. Some embrace the richness of coconut and fiery spice blends, while others highlight smoky, earthy flavors with slow-cooked masalas. From curries infused with aromatic whole spices to those packing a punch with red chilies and garlic, every preparation tells a story of the land and sea.

So, let’s dive into the irresistible world of Maharashtra’s crab curries and discover the magic of the coast, one flavorful bite at a time!

Malvani Kurlya Chi Amti
Straight from the sun-kissed shores of Malvan and the Konkan belt, Malvani Kurlya Chi Amti is a crab curry that perfectly balances heat, richness, and coastal freshness. This dish is built on a base of freshly grated coconut, coriander, and the iconic Malvani masala—a spice blend that packs a fiery punch.

Ingredients:
4-5 fresh crabs, cleaned and cut
1 cup grated coconut
2 onions (sliced)
2 tomatoes (chopped)
4-5 garlic cloves
2 tsp Malvani masala
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp red chili powder
1 tbsp coriander powder
1 tbsp coconut oilFresh coriander for garnish
Salt to taste

Method:
1. Heat coconut oil in a pan and sauté onions until golden brown. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.

2. Stir in the tomatoes, turmeric, chili powder, Malvani masala, and coriander powder. Cook until the masala releases oil.

3. Add grated coconut and cook for a few minutes before blending into a smooth paste.

4. Return the paste to the pan, add cleaned crabs, salt, and enough water for a curry-like consistency.

5. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the crabs are fully cooked.

6. Finish with a drizzle of coconut oil and garnish with fresh coriander. Serve hot with rice or bhakri!

Rich, spicy, and packed with coastal flavors, this Malvani crab curry is a true seafood lover’s delight!

Want to recreate this coastal masterpiece? Give the Malvani masala powder a try for an authentic flavor boost!

Koli-Style Kurlya Masala
Rooted in the vibrant culinary traditions of Mumbai’s fishing communities, Koli-Style Kurlya Masala is a crab curry that bursts with smoky and earthy flavors. This dish stands apart with its deep, aromatic spice blend featuring black cardamom, dagad phool (stone flower), and roasted dried coconut, all tied together with the signature Koli masala. The combination of slow-cooked onions, tangy tomatoes, and fiery green chilies creates a robust masala that makes this a comforting yet power-packed seafood experience.

Ingredients:
4-5 fresh crabs, cleaned and cut
2 onions (finely sliced)
2 tomatoes (chopped)
3-4 green chilies (slit)
1 tbsp Koli masala
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp red chili powder
1 tbsp dried coconut (roasted & ground)
1 black cardamom
1 small piece dagad phool
1 tbsp mustard oil or coconut oil
Salt to taste
Fresh coriander for garnish

Method:
1. Heat oil in an iron kadhai, add sliced onions, and sauté until golden brown.

2. Add green chilies, tomatoes, and Koli masala, cooking until the masala releases oil.

3. For an earthy aroma, stir in turmeric, red chili powder, roasted coconut, black cardamom, and dagad phool.

4. Add the cleaned crabs, mix well, and pour in enough water to create a rich curry.

5. Simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the crabs to soak in the spices.

6. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot with rice or bhakri!

Bold, smoky, and packed with layers of spice, this Koli-style crab curry is an unforgettable taste of Mumbai’s coastal heritage!

Agri-Style Crab Curry
Hailing from the spice-loving kitchens of Thane and Palghar’s coastal belt, Agri-Style Crab Curry is a bold, fiery dish that showcases the region’s love for heat and depth of flavor. The combination of dried red chilies and garlic creates a powerful base, while poppy seeds and sesame lend a subtle nuttiness that balances the intensity. Unlike other coastal curries, this one isn’t coconut-heavy, allowing the smoky spice blend to shine.

Ingredients:
4-5 fresh crabs, cleaned and cut
8-10 dried red chilies (soaked)
6-7 garlic cloves
1 tbsp poppy seeds
1 tbsp sesame seeds
2 onions (sliced)
2 tomatoes (chopped)
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp red chili powder
1 tbsp oil (preferably mustard or groundnut oil)
Salt to taste
Fresh coriander for garnish

Method:
1. Dry roast poppy seeds and sesame seeds, then grind them into a fine paste.

2. Blend soaked red chilies and garlic into a smooth spice paste.

3. Heat oil in a pan, sauté onions until golden, then add tomatoes and cook until soft.

4. Stir in the red chili-garlic paste, turmeric, and chili powder, cooking until fragrant.

5. Add the crab pieces and mix well, then pour in enough water to create a thick gravy.

6. Simmer for 15 minutes, finish with fresh coriander, and serve hot with bhakri.

Fiery, nutty, and bursting with bold coastal spices, this Agri-style crab curry is a taste explosion you won’t forget!

From the smoky Koli-style curry to the fiery Agri-style crab, each regional twist on this coastal dish offers a unique and unforgettable taste of Maharashtra's diverse seafood heritage.