Brazilian recipe
Classic Baked Stuffed Crab Shells (Casquinha de siri)
A beloved coastal appetiser featuring tender crab meat in a rich, aromatic tomato and pepper base, oven-baked to perfection in shells.
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Ingredients
1/2 kg lump crab meat
20 cleaned crab shells
2 medium onions, finely diced
2 ripe tomatoes, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 green bell pepper, diced small
1/2 cup white vinegar
Black pepper to taste
Ground cumin to taste
Salt to taste
Olive oil as needed
Grated Parmesan cheese for topping (optional)
20 cleaned crab shells
2 medium onions, finely diced
2 ripe tomatoes, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 green bell pepper, diced small
1/2 cup white vinegar
Black pepper to taste
Ground cumin to taste
Salt to taste
Olive oil as needed
Grated Parmesan cheese for topping (optional)
Where to find ingredients
You can find fresh or high-quality canned crab meat, as well as fresh produce like bell peppers and tomatoes, at local municipal markets or well-stocked supermarkets across the island. If you cannot source natural crab shells, ramekins or small ceramic baking dishes make excellent substitutes.
Preparation method
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a pan and sauté the diced onion until translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic, black pepper, and cumin, cooking for about one minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the white vinegar and allow the liquid to reduce slightly.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and the diced bell pepper to the pan.
- Simmer the mixture until the tomatoes have softened and the flavours have melded together.
- Pour in 3 tablespoons of olive oil and stir well to combine.
- Gently fold the crab meat into the seasoned mixture.
- Cook for about 5 minutes, ensuring the crab is heated through without overcooking.
- Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with salt if required.
- Divide the crab filling evenly among the prepared shells.
- Sprinkle the top of each shell with a dusting of grated Parmesan, if using.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
Observations
The Casquinha de siri is an iconic appetiser deeply rooted in Brazilian coastal food culture, cherished for its depth of flavour and silky consistency. By combining fresh crab meat with a fragrant soffritto and baking it until bubbly, this recipe delivers a sophisticated bite that stands out at any gathering.
Its straightforward preparation makes it a reliable choice for hosting, whether as a star appetiser at dinner parties or a special weekend treat. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients allows the natural sweetness of the crab to shine, creating a balanced and memorable dish that captures the essence of traditional seaside cooking.
Its straightforward preparation makes it a reliable choice for hosting, whether as a star appetiser at dinner parties or a special weekend treat. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients allows the natural sweetness of the crab to shine, creating a balanced and memorable dish that captures the essence of traditional seaside cooking.
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