Ilōk (crab curry from the Marshall Islands)

Instructions

1. Clean the crabs under cold water, remove the shell and gills, then cut each crab into 4 or 6 pieces.
2. Finely slice the onions, crush the garlic, grate the ginger and slice the chilli into thin rounds.
3. Heat the coconut oil in a large casserole over medium heat, then fry the onions for 5 minutes until translucent.
4. Add the garlic, ginger, chilli and turmeric, then stir for 1 minute to release the aromas.
5. Put the crab pieces into the casserole, stir to coat them well, then pour in the coconut milk.
6. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover and cook over low heat for 25 minutes, stirring now and then, until the meat is well cooked and the sauce has thickened.
7. Season with salt, pepper, a pinch of sugar and a squeeze of lime juice if you like, then serve hot with rice.