Image Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/CsT3lFwou-l/
Introduction
Kankada Jhola is a coastal delicacy from Odisha, featuring crab cooked in a spicy, aromatic curry. It showcases the richness of the region’s seafood traditions with bold use of spices.
- Cleaning the Crab
Ingredients:
- 4–5 medium-sized crabs
- Salt, turmeric for rubbing
Instructions:
- Clean thoroughly with salt and turmeric. Rinse well.
- Cooking the Jhola (Gravy)
Ingredients:
- 2 onions, 2 tomatoes (ground separately)
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- ½ tsp turmeric, 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- Mustard oil
Instructions:
- Heat mustard oil, fry onion paste until golden.
- Add ginger-garlic, tomatoes, and spices.
- Add cleaned crabs and cook covered for 15 mins with water.
- Pro Tips for Perfect Jhola
- Slightly roast crabs before adding to curry for more depth.
- Adjust spice level based on crab sweetness.
- Serving Suggestions
Perfect with hot steamed rice and lemon wedges. - Fun Fact
In Odia weddings and coastal feasts, crab curry is a prestige dish served to honored guests.