The Ago Glain Crab Dish with Peanut Sauce, also known in some regions as "Crab and Groundnut Stew," is a renowned culinary delight from Benin, West Africa. This dish, celebrated for its rich flavors and textures, features fresh crabs cooked in a fragrant blend of spices including cumin, coriander, and paprika, then paired with a creamy and slightly sweet peanut sauce. The sauce, made with roasted peanuts, tomato puree, honey, lime juice, and coconut milk, adds a tangy note to the dish. Popular during festivals and coastal celebrations, this dish is often served with white rice to soak up the delicious sauce. The Ago Glain Crab Dish is not only a treat for the taste buds but also offers nutritional benefits, providing protein from the crab and healthy fats from the peanuts. This traditional Beninese dish reflects the country's rich cultural heritage and love for vibrant, flavorful cuisine.

To make the Ago Glain Crab Dish with Peanut Sauce, you will need the following

ingredients:

1- 6 fresh crabs

2- 1 onion, diced

3- 2 cloves garlic, minced

4- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

5- 1 teaspoon salt

6- 1 teaspoon black pepper

7- 1 teaspoon cumin

8- 1 teaspoon coriander

9- 1 teaspoon paprika

10- 1 teaspoon cinnamon

11- 1 cup water

12- 1 cup unsalted roasted peanuts, crushed

13- 1 cup tomato puree

14- 2 tablespoons tomato paste

15- 1 tablespoon honey

16- 1 tablespoon lime juice

17- 1/2 cup coconut milk

Method:

1- Clean and prepare the crabs by removing the shells and cleaning the meat. Set aside.

2- In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and sauté until translucent.

3- Add the salt, black pepper, cumin, coriander, paprika, and cinnamon to the pot and stir to combine.

4- Add the crabs to the pot and stir to coat them in the spices.

5- Pour in the water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the crabs are cooked through.

6- In a separate pot, combine the crushed peanuts, tomato puree, tomato paste, honey, lime juice, and coconut milk. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.

7- Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

8- Serve the crabs on a plate, and drizzle the peanut sauce over them.

Notes:

1- You can adjust the spice level of the dish by adding more or less of the spices listed in the recipe.

2- This dish is traditionally served with a side of white rice.

3- If you cannot find fresh crabs, you can substitute with frozen crabs or another type of seafood, such as shrimp or crawfish.

Nutrition Value:

Here is the approximate nutritional information for the ingredients in your list:

1- 6 fresh crabs

- Calories: 800

- Carbohydrates: 0g

- Protein: 180g

- Fat: 8g

- Sodium: 5000mg

- Cholesterol: 500mg

- Vitamins: B12, A, C

- Minerals: Zinc, Copper, Selenium

- Nutritional benefit: High in protein, low in fat, and rich in essential vitamins and minerals.

2- 1 onion, diced

- Calories: 44

- Carbohydrates: 10g

- Protein: 1g

- Fat: 0.1g

- Sodium: 4mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: C, B6

- Minerals: Potassium, Manganese

- Nutritional benefit: Low in calories, supports immune function and digestion.

3- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- Calories: 9

- Carbohydrates: 2g

- Protein: 0.4g

- Fat: 0g

- Sodium: 1mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: C, B6

- Minerals: Manganese, Selenium

- Nutritional benefit: Contains antioxidants, supports cardiovascular health.

4- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

- Calories: 240

- Carbohydrates: 0g

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 28g

- Sodium: 0mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: E

- Minerals: None

- Nutritional benefit: Source of healthy fats and vitamin E.

5- 1 teaspoon salt

- Calories: 0

- Carbohydrates: 0g

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 0g

- Sodium: 2325mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: None

- Minerals: Sodium

- Nutritional benefit: Essential for electrolyte balance.

6- 1 teaspoon black pepper

- Calories: 6

- Carbohydrates: 1.4g

- Protein: 0.2g

- Fat: 0.1g

- Sodium: 1mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: K

- Minerals: Iron, Manganese

- Nutritional benefit: Contains antioxidants and supports digestion.

7- 1 teaspoon cumin

- Calories: 8

- Carbohydrates: 1g

- Protein: 0.4g

- Fat: 0.5g

- Sodium: 4mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: A, C

- Minerals: Iron, Manganese

- Nutritional benefit: Aids digestion and is rich in iron.

8- 1 teaspoon coriander

- Calories: 5

- Carbohydrates: 1g

- Protein: 0.2g

- Fat: 0.1g

- Sodium: 1mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: C, K

- Minerals: Iron, Magnesium

- Nutritional benefit: Supports digestion and is a good source of vitamins and minerals.

9- 1 teaspoon paprika

- Calories: 6

- Carbohydrates: 1.1g

- Protein: 0.3g

- Fat: 0.3g

- Sodium: 1mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: A, E

- Minerals: Iron

- Nutritional benefit: Rich in antioxidants and vitamins.

10- 1 teaspoon cinnamon

- Calories: 6

- Carbohydrates: 2g

- Protein: 0.1g

- Fat: 0g

- Sodium: 1mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: K

- Minerals: Calcium, Manganese

- Nutritional benefit: Anti-inflammatory properties and helps regulate blood sugar.

11- 1 cup water

- Calories: 0

- Carbohydrates: 0g

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 0g

- Sodium: 0mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: None

- Minerals: None

- Nutritional benefit: Essential for hydration.

12- 1 cup unsalted roasted peanuts, crushed

- Calories: 828

- Carbohydrates: 24g

- Protein: 38g

- Fat: 72g

- Sodium: 6mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: E, B3

- Minerals: Magnesium, Phosphorus

- Nutritional benefit: High in healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals.

13- 1 cup tomato puree

- Calories: 80

- Carbohydrates: 18g

- Protein: 4g

- Fat: 0.5g

- Sodium: 20mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: C, A

- Minerals: Potassium, Iron

- Nutritional benefit: Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, supports immune health.

14- 2 tablespoons tomato paste

- Calories: 30

- Carbohydrates: 6g

- Protein: 1g

- Fat: 0g

- Sodium: 30mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: C, A

- Minerals: Iron

- Nutritional benefit: Concentrated source of nutrients, enhances flavor.

15- 1 tablespoon honey

- Calories: 64

- Carbohydrates: 17g

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 0g

- Sodium: 1mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: B6

- Minerals: Calcium, Potassium

- Nutritional benefit: Natural sweetener, contains antioxidants.

16- 1 tablespoon lime juice

- Calories: 4

- Carbohydrates: 1.3g

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 0g

- Sodium: 1mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: C

- Minerals: Potassium

- Nutritional benefit: Rich in vitamin C, aids digestion.

17- 1/2 cup coconut milk

- Calories: 223

- Carbohydrates: 6g

- Protein: 2g

- Fat: 24g

- Sodium: 13mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: C, E

- Minerals: Iron, Magnesium

- Nutritional benefit: Source of healthy fats, adds creaminess and flavor.

Overall, the Ago Glain Crab Dish with Peanut Sauce is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is sure to impress your guests. Give it a try and enjoy the taste of Benin in your own home!