Description
This Brazilian Dungeness Crab Stew is a rich and flavorful seafood dish inspired by traditional moqueca de siri. It features tender Dungeness crab meat simmered in a fragrant broth of coconut milk, tomatoes, and aromatic spices, served hot over white rice. Perfect for a comforting and elegant main course that highlights the fresh taste of crab with Brazilian flair.
Ingredients
Stew
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 large tomato, diced
- 1 cup seafood or fish stock
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 pound cooked Dungeness crab meat, picked over for shells
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
To Serve
- Cooked white rice
- Extra cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add Spices and Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until the spices release their aroma.
- Incorporate Tomato Elements: Add the tomato paste and diced tomato to the pot, stirring well to combine everything evenly.
- Add the Stock and Simmer: Pour in the seafood or fish stock and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook gently for about 10 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Add Coconut Milk and Lime: Stir in the coconut milk and lime juice, then return the stew to a gentle simmer.
- Add Crab Meat: Gently fold in the cooked Dungeness crab meat and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, just until the crab is heated through.
- Finish with Herbs: Stir in the chopped cilantro and parsley. Taste the stew and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve: Serve the stew hot over cooked white rice and garnish with extra cilantro.
Notes
- For a thicker stew, simmer longer to reduce the liquid and concentrate flavors.
- Add sliced chili peppers if you prefer a spicier stew.
- For a heartier variation, include diced cassava to the stew.
- If fresh Dungeness crab is unavailable, substitute with other lump crab meat varieties.
