Northwest Dungeness Crab Curry Recipes

NORTHWEST DUNGENESS CRAB CURRY

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
• Drop in the crabs and cook until they stop moving, about 3-4 minutes.
• Remove the crabs from the pot and cool.
• When they are cool enough to handle, pull of and discard the top shell.
• Scrape the insides clean with a small spoon.
• Remove the spongy lungs on both sides of the body.
• With a heavy knife, cut the crabs in quarters and crack the claws; set aside.
• Heat a small frying pan over medium heat.
• Toast the coriander seeds and peppercorns, stirring constantly, for 1 minute, then grind finely in a spice mill or coffee grinder.
• Place in a bowl and add the paprika, cayenne and turmeric; set aside.
• Heat the oil over medium heat in a frying pan or pot that will be able to accommodate the crab pieces.
• Fry the black mustard seeds until they pop.
• Add the onions and garlic and cook until lightly browned.
• Stir in the spice mixture and the water.
• Bring to a boil, and then simmer until the mixture is reduced by half.
• Add the coconut milk and bring to boil.
• Season with salt and add the crab.
• Cook for 5 minutes, turning the pieces over to ensure even cooking.
• Remove from the heat and serve.

NORTHWEST DUNGENESS CRAB CAKES

Steps:

• Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Sauce the onion and celery until the vegetables are very soft but not brown. While they are cooking, heat the milk to a simmer.
• Add the 6 tablespoons flour to the vegetables and cook over low heat, stirring constantly for 3-4 minutes. Slowly whisk in the hot milk. The mixture will be very thick. Continue stirring until the mixture comes to a boil.
• Remove from the heat and beat in the egg yolks one at a time. Beat in the salt, pepper, Tabasco sauce and parsley. Spread onto a large baking sheet and cool completely. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the crab meat. Refrigerate until firm.
• Form the mixture into 12 fat, hamburger-shaped cakes. Sprinkle a baking sheet with ½ cup of bread crumbs. Beat the egg with the water in a shallow bowl. Spread the flour and remaining breadcrumbs on separate plates. Coat each cake in flour, then in the egg, then in the breadcrumbs and place on the baking sheet.
• Heat 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large heavy frying pan over medium-high heat. Without overcrowding, fry the crab cakes until they are golden brown on both sides. Remove and drain on absorbent paper. Keep the cooked crab cakes warm in a 200 F oven while frying the rest. Serve immediately.