Crab and Callaloo

Crab and Callaloo 

Hi folks hope you having a wonderful Emancipation holiday. Today I thought I would quickly show you how I make an all time favourite Trini cuisine. My dad loves to have this with Basmati rice however, many people make dumplings to accompany this dish. I would suggest you make whole wheat dumplings which is a much healthier option. 

Dasheen leaves (Taro leaves) are used to make the callaloo portion of this awesome combo and you can see some of the nutritional benefits of the Taro leaves and root by clicking the following links.
http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/2676/2
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/other/taro-root.html

INGREDIENTS

• 3 crabs (cleaned - not necessary to pre-season it)
• 20 Dasheen leaves (Taro leaves)
• 10 young ochroes sliced
• 1 hot pepper (cut up)
• 2 pimentos chopped
• 1 oinion chopped
• 4 cloves garlic crushed
• blended green seasoning
• 1 tsp coconut oil
• chopped chive
• 1 small tomato chopped
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tsp geera seeds (cumin)
• 1 lime
• 1 tsp salt
• boiling water 

METHOD

• Heat pot  and add coconut oil. When hot, add geera seeds until toasted. Meanwhile boil kettle/pot of water.
• Add chopped onion and hot pepper and stir, then proceed to add the crushed garlic.
• Add curry powder and stir until it gives off a fragrant aroma. It must grip the bottom of the pot.

• Add the crabs, tomatoes, pimentos, blended seasoning, some chopped chives, cover and  let it simmer on medium heat. 

• When the crab sticks in pot add more green seasoning, boiling water, cover and let it cook on medium heat. It is very important that the crab cooks properly.

 Approximately 20 minutes after add the ochroes followed by the dasheen leaves.

Squeeze a few drops of  lime juice on the leaves then add salt, stir and cover and continue cooking. Ensure you stir at intervals and monitor the water level.

• This dish should take approx 1hr to cook. Taste for salt and pepper. Remember you always have the power to tweak the recipe to your liking.

Have a look at how mine turned out.

For additional flavour some people use coconut milk in this dish.

Hope you try this soon. Enjoy the rest of the Holiday!!!

Remember to cook with love and good vibes.