How to: Crab Marinara Sauce

Crab marinara is a simple first course recipe.

Crab marinara is a simple dish that combines a basic Italian tomato sauce, or marinara, with crab meat. Many enjoy this dish for Sunday dinner or among other seafood at the traditional Sicilian "Feast of the Seven Fishes," which takes place on Christmas Eve.

Things You'll Need

• 3 tbsp. olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• Knife
• 2 large saucepans
• 16 oz. can of crushed tomatoes
• Salt
• Pepper
• 2 leaves fresh basil
• 1 lb. spaghetti
• Colander
• Large serving bowl
• 2 lbs. canned crab meat
• Small baking dish

Instructions

1. Cut garlic cloves in half lengthwise. Pour 2 tbsp. olive oil into a large sauce pan along with the cut garlic cloves. Place the sauce pan on the stove and turn the heat to medium. Cook until the garlic turns soft and begins to brown. Add 16 oz. of crushed tomatoes.

2. Fill the empty can with 4 cups water and add it to the saucepan. Season the mixture with salt and pepper. Raise the heat to high until the sauce begins to boil, then lower to a simmer and continue to cook for another 20 minutes. Chop 2 leaves of fresh basil while the sauce is cooking. Add chopped basil to your sauce and cook for another minute. Add 1 lb. of crab meat and simmer on low heat until you are ready to serve.

3. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the remaining pound of crab meat into a small baking dish, sprinkle with water, cover and place in the oven until you are ready to serve.

4. Fill a large saucepan with water and bring to a boil over high heat. Add the pound of pasta and cook for 12 minutes, or until al dente. Place the colander over the sink and pour the contents of the saucepan into it. Shake the colander to drain out any excess water and place pasta in a large serving bowl. Drizzle 1 tbsp. of olive oil over the pasta and stir.

5. Ladle the crab marinara sauce over the pasta and top with the warmed crab meat.

References

• The Italian Chef: Marinara Sauce