Description
This Brazilian Dungeness Crab Stew is a flavorful, hearty seafood dish featuring tender crab meat simmered in a vibrant concoction of bell peppers, tomatoes, and creamy coconut milk. Infused with paprika, cumin, and a hint of lime juice, it’s a comforting main course perfect for showcasing fresh seafood with a tropical twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Stew Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Flavorings
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup seafood or chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onion
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Seafood
- 1 pound cooked Dungeness crab meat (picked and shells removed)
Serving
- Steamed white rice for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a large sauté pan or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell peppers, cooking for 5 to 7 minutes until they soften and become fragrant.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Then, add paprika, ground cumin, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 1 minute to allow the spices to bloom and release their aromas.
- Add Tomatoes: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to meld the flavors.
- Incorporate Coconut Milk and Broth: Stir in coconut milk and seafood or chicken broth. Bring the stew to a gentle simmer to combine and thicken the flavors.
- Add Crab Meat: Gently fold in the cooked Dungeness crab meat. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes just to heat the crab through without breaking it down.
- Finish with Fresh Ingredients: Remove from heat and stir in lime juice, chopped cilantro, and green onion. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the stew hot over steamed white rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute Dungeness crab with lump crab meat if necessary.
- For added depth and richness, sauté a tablespoon of tomato paste with the vegetables during step 2.
- This stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread or farofa (toasted cassava flour) for additional texture.
