Stewed Jimmy Crabs: A Coastal Delight for Crab Enthusiasts
Preparation Time: 1 hour | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour and 25 minutes
Description:
Embark on a culinary journey with Stewed Jimmy Crabs, a venerable dish cherished among watermen for its delectable flavor and the liberating experience it provides to wives who are typically tasked with picking crab meat. In this unique coastal creation, the eater assumes the role of a hands-on participant, for there exists no rigid etiquette – just an invitation to dive in and relish the briny goodness.
Recipe Category: Crab
Keywords: Low Protein, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Weeknight, < 4 Hours
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 484.5
- Fat Content: 6.2g
- Saturated Fat Content: 1.9g
- Cholesterol Content: 72.8mg
- Sodium Content: 1146.8mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 82.2g
- Fiber Content: 10.2g
- Sugar Content: 4.9g
- Protein Content: 26g
Ingredients:
- 12-15 Jimmy Crabs (cleaned)
- 1 cup tap water
- 4 strips bacon
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 diced onion
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 6-8 potatoes (diced)
Instructions:
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Prep the Crabs:
- Begin by meticulously removing all traces of mud from the Jimmy Crabs.
- Pull off the back shell and innards, leaving you with pristine crab meat ready for the pot.
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Set the Stage:
- Place a 10-quart pot on the burner, setting the scene for the culinary magic to unfold.
- Lay out 4 strips of bacon on the bottom of the pan and fry them to a crispy perfection, creating a savory foundation for the stew.
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Bacon-Infused Flour Roux:
- Once the bacon has bestowed its flavorful essence, set it aside.
- In the residual bacon grease, introduce 2 tablespoons of flour, creating a rich roux that will add depth and body to the stew.
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Build the Flavor Base:
- Brown the flour in the savory grease until it achieves a golden hue, releasing an enticing aroma.
- Gradually add 1 quart of water to the pot, stirring to form a luscious base for the stew.
- Incorporate the diced onion, cleaned crabs, and season generously with salt and pepper, allowing the flavors to meld into a symphony of coastal delight.
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Simmer and Infuse:
- Over medium heat, let the concoction simmer for 25 minutes, allowing the essence of the sea to infuse every morsel.
- Introduce the diced potatoes into the simmering pot, ensuring they absorb the savory goodness as they cook through.
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Perfect Harmony:
- Once the potatoes reach a perfect state of tenderness, gracefully remove the stew from the heat.
- Serve this coastal masterpiece piping hot, and for those with hearty appetites, allotting a generous portion of 4 crabs per serving ensures a satisfying and fulfilling dining experience.
Conclusion:
Stewed Jimmy Crabs is not just a recipe; it’s a celebration of coastal culinary traditions. From the meticulous cleaning of crabs to the creation of a bacon-infused roux, each step adds a layer of depth to this dish. The communal act of enjoying this stew, devoid of strict etiquette, mirrors the simplicity and authenticity of coastal life. So, gather your ingredients, immerse yourself in the process, and savor the rich, hearty flavors of this time-honored coastal delight.
