Brazilian recipe
Creamy Baked Crab Shells (Casquinha de siri)
A traditional, elegant way to serve succulent crab meat. This creamy, spiced appetizer is a classic staple of Brazilian coastal cuisine.
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Ingredients
500g crab meat
20 cleaned crab shells
2 medium onions, finely diced
2 ripe tomatoes, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 green bell pepper, finely diced
120ml white vinegar
Black pepper to taste
Ground cumin to taste
Salt to taste
Extra virgin olive oil to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese for topping (optional)
20 cleaned crab shells
2 medium onions, finely diced
2 ripe tomatoes, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 green bell pepper, finely diced
120ml white vinegar
Black pepper to taste
Ground cumin to taste
Salt to taste
Extra virgin olive oil to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese for topping (optional)
Where to find ingredients
Source your fresh crab meat from local fishmongers or the seafood counter at supermarkets like New World or Pak'nSave. If authentic crab shells are unavailable, you can substitute with individual ramekins. Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil found in the oils aisle of any major grocery store.
Preparation method
- Heat a splash of olive oil in a pan and sauté the diced onion until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic, black pepper, and cumin, cooking for another minute to release the aromas.
- Deglaze the pan with the white vinegar and allow the liquid to reduce slightly.
- Add the diced tomatoes and green bell pepper to the pan.
- Simmer the mixture until the tomatoes have broken down and the flavours have melded.
- Stir in about 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to add richness.
- Gently fold the crab meat into the sautéed base.
- Cook for approximately 5 minutes, just enough to warm the crab through and incorporate the seasonings.
- Taste and adjust the salt levels as preferred.
- Carefully spoon the crab mixture into the crab shells.
- Sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Bake in an oven preheated to 180°C for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese has melted and turned slightly golden.
Observations
Casquinha de siri is a beloved classic appetizer, celebrated for its rich, aromatic depth and velvety texture. By preparing fresh crab meat in a fragrant sauté of aromatics and baking it, you capture the delicate essence of the ocean in every bite.
Its straightforward preparation makes it a fantastic choice for gatherings, elegant dinner parties, or as a standout seafood starter. Using fresh ingredients is the key to maintaining the light, balanced profile that makes this dish so memorable.
Its straightforward preparation makes it a fantastic choice for gatherings, elegant dinner parties, or as a standout seafood starter. Using fresh ingredients is the key to maintaining the light, balanced profile that makes this dish so memorable.
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