Name: Kerala Boatman's Crab Curry
Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds jumbo lump crab meat; 1 medium onion; 3 large garlic cloves; a 1-inch piece fresh gingerroot; 2 dried hot red chiles such as cayennes or chiles de árbol; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon brown or black mustard seeds; 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander seeds; 1/2 teaspoon turmeric; 1/4 cup packed fresh cilantro sprigs; 1 1/2 cupsLaxmi's fresh coconut milk or canned unsweetened coconut milk; 1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt, or to taste; Accompaniment: cooked white or brown basmati rice; Garnish: sliced scallion greens

Image may contain Food Dish Meal Plant and Lunch

Kerala Boatman's Crab CurryGourmet Studios

A narrow strip of land at the southwestern tip of India, the state of Kerala is interlaced with a network of lagoons, canals, lakes, and rivers. Peddlers sell fish from these waters and other food by boat along the canals.

This curry is styled after the ones these boatmen cook for themselves. It incorporates many ingredients of the Kerala kitchen: black peppercorns, fiery red chiles, mustard seeds, and the ubiquitous coconut. In India they toss about 20 fresh curry leaves into the kettle along with the onion, garlic, gingerroot, chiles, and peppercorns. These aromatic leaves can be difficult to find in the U.S., but if you locate some, by all means use them.

Recipe notes

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Super Seedy Power Cookies

As energizing as an energy bar, with a much simpler ingredient list.

Cod With Lemon Butter Sauce

A flurry of fresh tarragon makes this speedy weeknight dish of seared cod and luscious, sun-colored pan sauce feel restaurant worthy.

Easy Banana Bread Recipe

Our go-to banana bread recipe is moist, nutty, and incredibly easy to make.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

Speedy Chicken Stroganoff

This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.

Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon

This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.

One-Pot Chicken Thighs With Cilantro Rice and Beans

This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.