Spaghetti with Blue Crab Tomato Sauce Recipe

Ingredients for 4 people:

• 400 gr. of spaghetti
• 400 gr. of peeled tomatoes
• a blue crab
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 2 chillies
• half a glass of dry white wine
• extra virgin olive oil
• salt
• sale

Preparation:

The blue crab, known scientifically as Callinectes sapidus, is a species of saltwater crab found along the coasts of the western Atlantic. Its distinctive color comes from the bright blue pigments found in its carapace and legs. These crabs are renowned for their sweet and tasty meat, much appreciated in cooking.

Ecologically, the blue crab presents a threat as an invasive alien species in Mediterranean waters. It feeds mainly on small fish, molluscs and other marine invertebrates, contributing to disturbing the balance of populations in Mediterranean aquatic communities and making this crab a growing concern for local marine ecosystems. Its presence in large quantities can now be found in retail shops and thanks to the goodness of its meat it is successfully used in cooking.

Here’s the recipe: Start by lightly frying the garlic and chili pepper in hot extra virgin olive oil in a large pan or saucepan. Be sure to purchase fresh, live crab to ensure freshness. To avoid being pinched, place the crab in the freezer for at least 10 minutes to put it to sleep.

Next, pour in a little white wine and let it evaporate for about a minute. Add the peeled tomatoes, chopped and removed from any remaining skins. Add a light amount of salt, being careful not to exceed, as the ingredients are naturally tasty and an excess of salt could compromise the balance of flavours. A pinch of salt should be enough to enhance the flavors without covering them up or making them too salty. Before adding salt, always taste the dish to adjust the quantity. Add the whole blue crab and let everything cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes. After cooking the crab takes on a reddish colour, remove it from the pan and cut it into pieces with sturdy scissors. Return them to the sauce until it thickens and the flavors blend well.

Meanwhile, bring a pan of salted water to the boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Drain the pasta and transfer it to the pan with the blue crab sauce. Sauté everything together for a few minutes so that the spaghetti is well flavored with the sauce.

For a flawless presentation, serve the spaghetti hot by placing the crab pieces on top of the plate.

To accompany this delicious dish, I recommend you opt for a fresh and lively white wine, such as sparkling Vermentino di Sardegna or sparkling Pignoletto dei Colli Bolognesi dell’Emilia. Both wines are perfect for enhancing the flavors of the sea and the delicacy of the sauce, without overwhelming the dish with too strong notes or disturbing the harmony of the flavors. Serve the wine chilled, so as to fully appreciate its freshness and pleasantness on the palate.

Enjoy your meal!