Brazilian recipe
Easy Creamy Crab Shells (Casquinha de Siri)
A traditional Brazilian seaside favourite: savory crab meat sautéed with aromatics and served in charming individual shells for a perfect appetizer.
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Ingredients
500g fresh crab meat
20 cleaned crab shells (or small ramekins)
2 medium onions, finely diced
2 ripe tomatoes, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 green bell pepper, finely diced
1/2 cup white vinegar
Black pepper, to taste
Ground cumin, to taste
Salt, to taste
Extra virgin olive oil, to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese, for finishing (optional)
20 cleaned crab shells (or small ramekins)
2 medium onions, finely diced
2 ripe tomatoes, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 green bell pepper, finely diced
1/2 cup white vinegar
Black pepper, to taste
Ground cumin, to taste
Salt, to taste
Extra virgin olive oil, to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese, for finishing (optional)
Where to find ingredients
Crab meat can be found at high-end fishmongers or in the frozen seafood aisle of major supermarkets; look for 'premium white crab meat'. If you cannot find crab shells, oven-safe individual ramekins or small ceramic scallop shells work perfectly as a substitute. Look for fresh produce like bell peppers, tomatoes, and garlic at any local farmer's market or supermarket grocery section. For authentic Brazilian ingredients, check out specialty Latin American or Brazilian grocery stores, which often stock frozen crab meat and sometimes even the decorative shells.
Preparation method
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a pan and sauté the chopped onion until golden
- Add the minced garlic, black pepper and cumin, sautéing for another minute
- Pour in the white vinegar and let the alcohol evaporate
- Add the chopped tomatoes and diced capsicum
- Cook the mixture until the tomatoes have broken down and the seasonings are well combined
- Add about 3 tablespoons of olive oil and stir
- Fold the crab meat into the mixture
- Cook for approximately 5 minutes, just to heat through and meld the flavours
- Taste and adjust the salt if necessary
- Spoon the crab filling into the crab shells
- If desired, sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top
- Place in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and turned golden brown
Observations
Casquinha de siri is a classic Brazilian seafood appetizer beloved for its rich, aromatic flavor and indulgent, creamy texture. Fresh crab meat is gently sautéed with a blend of onion, garlic, bell pepper, and spices, then served in traditional shells or small ramekins, and finished with a golden, bubbly top under the grill. It’s an elegant yet no-fuss choice for hosting or a special weekend snack. Bringing the essence of the Brazilian coast to your table, this dish is best enjoyed warm with a squeeze of lime and good company.
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