Brazilian recipe
Easy Homemade Crab Shells (Casquinha de Siri)
A traditional Brazilian appetizer, these crab shells are creamy, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned. A must-try dish for any gathering.
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Ingredients
1/2 kg crab meat
20 clean crab shells
2 medium onions, finely chopped
2 ripe tomatoes, finely diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 small 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 topping (optional)
20 clean crab shells
2 medium onions, finely chopped
2 ripe tomatoes, finely diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 small 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 topping (optional)
Where to find ingredients
Crab meat can be found in the seafood section of larger supermarkets or ordered from local fishmongers; look for 'blue crab' meat. Crab shells are often available at specialty Latin or Brazilian import shops; if unavailable, individual small ceramic ramekins or scallop shells serve as excellent substitutes. Fresh produce like onions, tomatoes, garlic, and green bell peppers are staples found in any produce department. Extra virgin olive oil and Parmesan cheese are standard pantry items available at all grocery stores.
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, cooking for another minute
- Pour in the white vinegar and let the alcohol evaporate
- Add the chopped tomatoes and the diced bell pepper
- Cook the mixture until the tomatoes break down and the seasonings are well combined
- Stir in the olive oil, about 3 tablespoons, and mix well
- Fold the crab meat into the mixture
- Cook for about 5 minutes, just to heat through and meld the flavours
- Taste and adjust the salt if needed
- Spoon the crab filling into the crab shells
- If you like, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the 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
The 'casquinha de siri' is an absolute classic in Brazilian coastal cuisine, loved for its distinctively bold flavor and velvety texture. Made with fresh blue crab meat, sautéed with aromatic seasonings, and finished in the oven, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to serve an elegant, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Its straightforward preparation makes it a practical choice for parties, family gatherings, or just an elevated snack. Using fresh, quality ingredients ensures a light and delicious outcome that lets the delicate taste of the crab shine through.
Its straightforward preparation makes it a practical choice for parties, family gatherings, or just an elevated snack. Using fresh, quality ingredients ensures a light and delicious outcome that lets the delicate taste of the crab shine through.
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