Crabes à la Réunionnaise
Background
Crabes à la Réunionnaise is a delightful and aromatic dish that hails from the beautiful island of Réunion. This island, located in the Indian Ocean, is known for its rich culinary landscape influenced by a mix of French, African, Indian, and Chinese cuisines. Crabes à la Réunionnaise is a testament to this eclectic melding of flavors, showcasing the island's freshness and spices.
History
The dish's history can be traced back to the island's early settlers. Over generations, local ingredients and spices were incorporated into traditional French techniques, giving birth to unique dishes such as this one. Crabes à la Réunionnaise showcases the use of fresh seafood, an abundance of local spices, and the Creole techniques that define much of the island's fare.
Ingredients
- Crabs - 4 whole
- Onion - 2 large, finely chopped
- Garlic - 4 cloves, minced
- Ginger - 2 tablespoons, freshly grated
- Tomatoes - 3 ripe, diced
- Thyme - 1 teaspoon, dried
- Curry Powder - 1 tablespoon
- Coconut Milk - 400ml can
- Vegetable Oil - 2 tablespoons
- Salt - to taste
- Black Pepper - to taste
- Rice - to serve
- Parsley - to garnish
Preparation Steps
Cleaning the Crabs
Begin by thoroughly cleaning the crabs. Rinse them under cold water, removing any dirt or debris. Use a brush to clean the shells if necessary. Once cleaned, set them aside.
Chopping and Prepping
- Finely chop the onions and set them aside.
- Mince the garlic and grate the ginger.
- Dice the tomatoes. These ingredients form the base of the sauce.
Cooking Process
Sautéing the Aromatics
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions to the pan and sauté until they are translucent and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan. Stir for a couple of minutes until the mixture is aromatic.
Building the Flavor
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and allow them to cook down, releasing juices and forming a sauce.
- Add the thyme and curry powder to the tomato mixture, stirring well to combine flavors.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Cooking the Crabs
- Add the cleaned crabs to the pan, ensuring they are well coated with the aromatic sauce.
- Pour in the can of coconut milk, stirring gently to combine.
- Reduce the heat and cover the pan, allowing the crabs to simmer for around 15-20 minutes. See cooking time.
Serving Suggestions
Once the crabs are cooked to perfection, remove the pan from the heat. Serve the dish hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Accompany the crabs with a side of steamed rice to soak up the fragrant sauce, allowing you to savor every last drop.
Enjoying the Meal
Crabes à la Réunionnaise is best enjoyed with family and friends, as the dish's communal nature brings people together. Dive in with your hands and savor the intricate blend of spices and the tender, sweet meat of the crabs. Pair with a chilled glass of white wine or a light beer to complement the rich flavors of the dish.