I’m not sure what I was doing when I thought of it, but the idea of crab chili popped into my head and I knew I had to run with it.
When I experiment either things turn out like I had envisioned or they go the complete opposite. Still tasty just not what the original image in my head looked like. This crab chili is the perfect example. I’m still tinkering with it and plan on trying to make the version that I had in my head, but for now this is a winner.
It’s spicy with a good heat and mellow sweet crab to balance it out.
Andrea’s Crab Chili
- 16oz Lump Crab Meat, rinsed and checked over for shell
- 1 Green pepper, chunked
- 1/2 Large Onion, chunked
- 1 Jalapeno, chunked
- 1 Fresno pepper, chunked
- 2 Cloves Garlic
- 4 1/4C Chicken Stock
- 2 15oz Cans of Pinto Beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 14.5oz Can of Diced Tomatoes with Chilies
- 1 6oz Can of Tomato Paste
- Big pinch of Salt and Pepper
- 2tsp Chili Powder
- 1/2tsp Smoked Paprika
- 2TBSP Olive Oil for Sauteeing
In a food processor, add in the peppers, onion, and garlic and pulse until they are broken down and finely chopped.
In a large soup pan, add in the oil and heat over medium heat. Add in the veggies and season with salt and pepper. Satuee for about 5 minutes stirring occasionally. Add in the chili powder and the smoked paprika and stir.
Add in the tomato paste and stir. Allow that to cook for about two minutes and then add in the diced tomatoes. Stir and add in the chicken stock, slowly. Now add in the beans and bring the mixture up to a simmer.
Simmer for half and hour to 45 minutes. Add in the crab and continue to simmer for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and serve!
I didn’t remove the seeds from the fresno and jalapeno chili, and whew it was hot!
Keep in mind my heat tolerance is low so this to me was over the top hot. Scott thought it was fine, so it’s up to you and how spicy you like your chili.
This kind of took us by surprise. Crab chili? We weren’t sure how it was going to work out but it tasted amazing. Spicy tomato based chili which is a familiar taste paired with sweet crab stops and makes you think for a minute.
Does this go together?
Yes it does!
Add in a cold beer (A hoppy one would be great, or Dortmunder Gold by Great Lakes would be a good choice as well), and some oyster crackers and you’ve got a party.
Have fun guys, and remember, always play with your food! Enjoy!