Habanero crab dip 4 Gail

[lorilei]

Bad jokes and all, here's the recipe for the crab dip that I fondly refer to as "Habanero Crab Dip" (see below), although that's not really its name. I didn't post this under HOT CRAB because it's a cool dip -- perfect for hot summer parties.

It's actually called:

CRAB & COCONUT DIP

1/3 cup unsweetened canned coconut milk
3 scallions, chopped
1 teaspoon chopped fresh jalapeño chile, including seeds
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice, or to taste
1 lb jumbo lump crab meat, picked over and coarsely shredded

Accompaniment: plantain chips

Blend coconut milk, scallions, jalapeño, and 1/4 cup cilantro in a blender until smooth and pour into a bowl. Whisk in mayonnaise, juice, and remaining 1/4 cup cilantro until just combined. Stir in crab and salt to
taste and serve spooned on plantain chips.

Serves 6.
Gourmet
April 2000
Gourmet Entertains

**I substituted habanero pepper for the jalapeno (as it seemed more "Caribbean") and I used low-fat mayo to lighten it up a bit. The coconut milk & mayo cut the "heat" by quite a bit, so if you want a truly spicey dip, you'll have to play with the amount of peppers you use.
It's a delicious combination of flavors, and would work well on crackers or with veggies (instead of plantains).

[Gail]

Thanks Lori. Sounds really good. Out of curiosity, did you end up adding more habanero than what's printed?

[lorilei]

Gail - I think I probably added slightly more than a teaspoon (not even 1/2 tsp more), and found the dip to have a pleasant "bite"...

[Gail]

Good to know.

Although I like to tease Deanna (it's a dirty job, but somebody has to do it) we're known to breathe a little fire around here, too! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[Deanna]

Gail, it seems the more spicy food you eat, the more often you want it! It is definitely addictive! Now if I can just get Cheeto to try some...