Royal Bahamian Crab

Royal Bahamian Crab Recipe - A Delicious Dish from The Bahamas

Region / culture: Bahamas, The Bahamas | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 2

Introduction

Royal Bahamian Crab is a delicious and decadent dish that features fresh crab meat mixed with sautéed mushrooms, onions, and a creamy milk and flour mixture. Topped with melted cheddar cheese, this dish is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.

History

This recipe has its origins in the Bahamas, where fresh seafood is abundant and a staple in the local cuisine. The combination of crab meat, mushrooms, and cheese creates a rich and flavorful dish that is perfect for special occasions or a fancy dinner at home.

Ingredients

2 dungeness crabs, cleaned
2 onions, one whole and one minced
1 carrot
0.25 lb (113 g) fresh mushrooms, thinly sliced
0.25 cup butter
worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup 2% low-fat milk
salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp old cheddar cheese, grated

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Prepare the crabs by cleaning them and placing them in a large pot.
Add one whole onion and 1 carrot to a pot of salted water (sprinkle of salt only!) and boil for 20 minutes.
The shells will change color when they are done.
Remove the crabs from the pot and allow them to cool.
Remove the meat from the shells.
In a large frying pan, sauté the mushrooms and onions until the onions are tender.
Add the crabmeat and Worcestershire sauce, and toss until well blended.
In a bowl, mix the flour and milk until smooth and creamy.
Add the mixture to the crab mixture and stir constantly for about 5 minutes over medium heat until well blended.
Add salt and pepper and mix well.
Fill 2 shells with the crab mixture.
Sprinkle the grated cheese on top.
Bake until the cheese melts, which should take about 4 minutes.

Variations

Substitute crab meat with lobster or shrimp for a different twist.
Add diced bell peppers or jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Use different types of cheese, such as Gruyère or Parmesan, for a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to clean the crabs thoroughly before cooking to remove any dirt or debris.

- Boiling the crabs with onion and carrot adds flavor to the meat.

- Sautéing the mushrooms and onions until tender enhances their flavor and adds depth to the dish.

- Constant stirring of the milk and flour mixture ensures a smooth and creamy sauce.

- Sprinkling the grated cheese on top before baking adds a deliciously gooey and cheesy finish to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Royal Bahamian Crab with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and balanced meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the crabs before removing the meat ensures that they are fully cooked and tender.

- Sautéing the mushrooms and onions adds depth of flavor to the dish.

- Baking the filled crab shells with cheese creates a deliciously melty and gooey topping.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use canned crab meat if fresh is not available.

- Substitute butter with olive oil for a healthier option.

- Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of the dish.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the crab mixture ahead of time and store in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This dish can also be frozen before baking for a quick and easy meal option.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Royal Bahamian Crab in the crab shells for an elegant and impressive presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or lemon wedges for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

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

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 12g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 15g per serving

Saturated Fat: 8g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 20g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Calcium: 150mg per serving

Iron: 2mg per serving

Alergens

Contains: Shellfish, Dairy

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein and calcium, but it is high in fat and calories. It is not suitable for those with shellfish or dairy allergies.

Summary

Royal Bahamian Crab is a luxurious and indulgent dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a fancy dinner at home. With its rich and creamy sauce, tender crab meat, and gooey melted cheese topping, this dish is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Royal Bahamian Crab. It was a warm summer day in Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, and I was visiting a local market to pick up some fresh seafood for dinner. As I wandered through the bustling stalls, my eyes were drawn to a small handwritten sign that simply read "Royal Bahamian Crab - A Delicious Delicacy".

Intrigued, I made my way over to the stall where I saw a elderly woman meticulously cleaning and prepping the most beautiful crabs I had ever seen. I struck up a conversation with her and learned that she had been making Royal Bahamian Crab for her family for generations. She shared with me the secret ingredients and techniques that made this dish so special.

I watched intently as she cracked open the crabs with expert precision, carefully extracting the succulent meat from within. She then mixed it with a blend of spices and seasonings that she had carefully curated over the years. The aroma that wafted from her pot was intoxicating, and I knew I had to learn how to make this dish for myself.

After much pleading and cajoling, the woman finally agreed to share her recipe with me. She handed me a tattered piece of paper with the ingredients and instructions written in elegant script. I thanked her profusely and promised to make the dish with the care and respect it deserved.

Back home, I set to work recreating the Royal Bahamian Crab recipe. I sourced the freshest crabs I could find and painstakingly followed the woman's instructions to the letter. As the dish simmered on the stove, the familiar scent of the Bahamas filled my kitchen and transported me back to that sunny day in Nassau.

When the dish was finally ready, I plated it up and took my first bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth - the sweetness of the crab, the heat of the spices, the tang of the citrus. It was a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds, and I knew I had discovered a new favorite recipe.

Over the years, I have made Royal Bahamian Crab for countless dinner parties and family gatherings. Each time, it is met with rave reviews and requests for the recipe. I always smile and think back to that fateful day in the market, when I stumbled upon this culinary gem.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the many recipes I have collected over the years, I am grateful for the experiences and memories that each one brings. But there is something special about the Royal Bahamian Crab recipe - it is more than just a dish, it is a connection to a place and a people that hold a special corner of my heart.

So, if you ever find yourself in the Bahamas and come across a stall selling Royal Bahamian Crab, I urge you to try it. And if you find yourself craving a taste of the islands at home, I would be more than happy to share the recipe that has brought me so much joy over the years. Just remember to cook it with love and care, and you will taste the magic of the Bahamas in every bite.