Crab Meat Alma

Crab Meat Alma Recipe from Switzerland with Swiss Cheese and Sherry

Region / culture: Switzerland | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Crab Meat Alma is a delicious and creamy seafood dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a fancy dinner at home. This recipe combines the delicate flavors of crab meat with a rich and cheesy sauce that is sure to impress your guests.

History

The origins of Crab Meat Alma are a bit unclear, but it is believed to have been created in the United States in the mid-20th century. The dish gained popularity for its decadent flavors and luxurious ingredients, making it a favorite among seafood lovers.

Ingredients

1 stick of butter
1 small bunch of green onions, chopped
0.5 cup of finely chopped celery
0.5 cup of finely chopped parsley
1 tsp of finely chopped garlic
1 small can of drained mushrooms
3 tbsp of flour
2 cups of light cream
2 cups of grated swiss cheese
0.5 cup of dry sherry or vermouth
0.5 tsp of cayenne pepper (or to taste)
salt to taste
1 lb (454 g) of white crab meat or shrimp

How to prepare

Melt the butter in a heavy saucepan.
Sauté the vegetables until they are soft.
Blend in the flour and add the cream.
Heat the mixture until it thickens.
Add the cheese and heat until it melts.
Add the wine, cayenne pepper, and salt.
Fold in the crab or shrimp.
Gently heat the mixture for 8 to 10 minutes.
Serve with French bread.

Variations

Substitute crab meat with lobster or scallops for a different flavor.
Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for a pop of color and freshness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use fresh crab meat for the best flavor and texture.

- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your taste preferences.

- Serve the dish with crusty French bread for dipping in the creamy sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Crab Meat Alma with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the vegetables until they are soft before adding the flour and cream to ensure a smooth and creamy sauce.

- Gently heat the crab or shrimp in the sauce to prevent overcooking and maintain their delicate texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of light cream for a lighter sauce.

- Swap out Swiss cheese for Gruyere or cheddar for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Reheat gently on the stovetop before adding the crab or shrimp.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Crab Meat Alma in individual ramekins for an elegant presentation, garnished with fresh parsley or chives.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a crisp white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the rich and creamy flavors.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Crab Meat Alma contains approximately 400 calories, making it a satisfying and filling meal.

Carbohydrates

Crab Meat Alma is a low-carb dish, with only a small amount of carbohydrates coming from the vegetables and flour used in the sauce.

Fats

This dish is rich in fats due to the butter, cream, and cheese used in the sauce. However, these fats add to the creamy texture and delicious flavor of the dish.

Proteins

Crab Meat Alma is a protein-packed dish, with crab meat and shrimp providing a healthy dose of this essential nutrient.

Vitamins and minerals

Crab meat is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, zinc, and selenium. These nutrients are important for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter, cream, cheese) and shellfish (crab, shrimp), which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any food allergies before serving this dish.

Summary

Crab Meat Alma is a rich and indulgent dish that is high in fats and proteins, making it a satisfying and delicious meal option.

Summary

Crab Meat Alma is a decadent and delicious seafood dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a fancy dinner at home. With its creamy sauce and tender crab meat, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately captivated. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Alma at her cozy beach cottage. Alma was a fantastic cook, and she always had a way of making simple ingredients come together in the most delicious ways.

On that particular day, Alma told me she had a special recipe to share with me. She called it Crab Meat Alma, a dish she had learned from her own grandmother many years ago. I watched intently as Alma gathered all the ingredients needed for the dish - fresh crab meat, breadcrumbs, butter, herbs, and a secret blend of spices.

As she began to cook, Alma shared with me the story of how she had learned to make Crab Meat Alma. It was a family recipe that had been passed down through generations, each cook adding their own twist to make it their own. Alma's version was a testament to her love of cooking and her dedication to preserving the traditions of her ancestors.

I listened intently as Alma guided me through the steps of making the dish. She showed me how to carefully pick through the crab meat, removing any shells or cartilage. She demonstrated how to mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter and herbs to create a flavorful filling for the crab shells.

As the dish baked in the oven, the aroma of buttery crab meat and fragrant herbs filled the air. I couldn't wait to taste the finished product. When Alma finally pulled the Crab Meat Alma out of the oven, it looked and smelled absolutely divine.

We sat down at the table and took our first bite of the dish. The flavors were incredible - the sweetness of the crab meat paired perfectly with the savory breadcrumbs and herbs. I couldn't believe how simple ingredients could come together to create such a delicious dish.

After that day, Crab Meat Alma became one of my favorite dishes to make. I would often think back to that summer day at Alma's beach cottage, where I had first learned the recipe. I would recreate the dish for family gatherings and special occasions, always remembering the time spent with Alma and the love and care she put into teaching me how to make it.

Years passed, and I continued to make Crab Meat Alma, adding my own little twists and variations to the recipe. It became a staple in my own family, a dish that my grandchildren would request whenever they came to visit. I loved passing on the tradition of making Crab Meat Alma to the next generation, just as Alma had done for me.

As I sit here now, writing this story, I can still picture that day at Alma's beach cottage so vividly. The sun was shining, the waves were crashing on the shore, and the smell of Crab Meat Alma filled the air. It was a day that changed my life and introduced me to a recipe that would become a cherished part of my family's culinary history.

I am forever grateful to Alma for sharing her recipe with me, and for teaching me the importance of preserving family traditions through food. Crab Meat Alma will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the love and friendship that brought us together that summer day so many years ago.