Brazilian Style Crab

BAKED crab Brazilian-style, Casquinha de Siri, is a classic of the Bahia region, where the cooking often involves an exotic mix of Mediterranean and African ingredients. Crab is rich in high-quality protein.

SERVES 4 (370 calories)

1 tbsp olive oil

½ small onion, finely chopped

1 large garlic clove, chopped

1 red pepper, deseeded and diced

250g white crab meat (fresh, canned or frozen)

2 medium tomatoes, peeled, deseeded and chopped

125ml coconut milk

Handful of fresh parsley, chopped

1 tbsp Parmesan (or vegan Parmesan), grated

Wedges of lime

Pinch of chilli flakes or a few drops of Tabasco sauce to serve

PREHEAT the oven to 180c/160c fan/gas mark 4. Heat olive oil in a saucepan and saute the onion for 5 minutes. Add garlic and red pepper and cook for 2-3 more minutes, before adding the crab meat and tomatoes. After 2 minutes, pour in the coconut milk and some seasoning and bring it to the boil. Stir in parsley and transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle Parmesan on top, if using, and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the top is golden. Scatter over a few chilli flakes or drops of Tabasco, and serve with a bitter leaf salad and lime wedges.