Discover the perfect blend of succulent crab meat and vibrant callaloo leaves in this mouthwatering Caribbean dish. Ideal as a hearty main course or a flavorful side, this Crab and Callaloo recipe brings together fresh ingredients and rich flavors for a truly satisfying meal. Follow our easy step-by-step instructions to create this tropical favorite in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

- 1 lb crab meat (fresh or frozen)

- 1 bunch callaloo leaves (or substitute with spinach if unavailable)

- 1 medium onion, finely chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 bell pepper, chopped

- 1 tomato, diced

- 1-2 Scotch bonnet peppers, finely chopped (adjust to taste)

- 1 tsp thyme (fresh or dried)

- 1 tsp paprika

- 1/2 tsp allspice

- Salt and black pepper to taste

- 2 tbsp vegetable oil

- 1 cup coconut milk

- 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth

- 1-2 tbsp lime or lemon juice (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Callaloo: Wash the callaloo leaves thoroughly. Remove the tough stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. If using spinach, wash and chop it similarly.

Cook the Crab Meat: If using fresh crab, clean and cut it into pieces. For frozen crab, thaw and drain it well.

Sauté Aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the diced tomato, Scotch bonnet peppers, thyme, paprika, allspice, salt, and black pepper. Cook for a few minutes until the tomatoes soften.

Combine Crab and Liquids: Add the crab meat to the skillet, stirring gently to coat with the spices. Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable or chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.

Add Callaloo: Add the chopped callaloo leaves to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the callaloo is tender and the crab meat is fully cooked.

Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lime/lemon juice if desired.

Serve: Serve the Crab and Callaloo hot, either as a main dish or as a flavorful side. Enjoy with rice, plantains, or your favorite Caribbean accompaniments.

Nutritional values

Crab Meat (1 lb or 450g):

  - Approximately 240 calories

  - 45g protein

  - 0g carbohydrates

  - 4g fat

Benefits: High in protein, low in fat, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, provides essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin B12 and zinc.

Callaloo Leaves (1 bunch, approximately 200g):

  - Approximately 50 calories

  - 3g protein

  - 10g carbohydrates

  - 0.5g fat

Benefits: High in vitamins A, C, and K, contains antioxidants, supports overall health and immune function. If using spinach, it has similar benefits.

Medium Onion (1, approximately 150g):

  - Approximately 60 calories

  - 1g protein

  - 14g carbohydrates

  - 0g fat

Benefits: Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, supports immune health and adds flavor.

Garlic (2 cloves, minced):

  - Approximately 8 calories

  - 0.3g protein

  - 2g carbohydrates

  - 0g fat

Benefits: Immune-boosting, may improve heart health.

Bell Pepper (1, approximately 120g):

  - Approximately 25 calories

  - 1g protein

  - 6g carbohydrates

  - 0g fat

Benefits: High in vitamin C, provides antioxidants, supports immune health.

Tomato (1 medium, approximately 120g):

  - Approximately 22 calories

  - 1g protein

  - 5g carbohydrates

  - 0g fat

Benefits: Rich in vitamins A and C, contains lycopene, supports heart health.

Scotch Bonnet Peppers (1-2, finely chopped):

  - Approximately 10 calories per pepper

  - 0.5g protein

  - 2g carbohydrates

  - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds heat and flavor, contains capsaicin which may boost metabolism.

Thyme (1 tsp, fresh or dried):

  - Approximately 1 calorie

  - 0.1g protein

  - 0.2g carbohydrates

  - 0g fat

Benefits: Contains antioxidants, supports digestion and has antimicrobial properties.

Paprika (1 tsp):

  - Approximately 6 calories

  - 0.2g protein

  - 1g carbohydrates

  - 0g fat

Benefits: Contains antioxidants, adds color and flavor.

Allspice (1/2 tsp):

  - Approximately 4 calories

  - 0.2g protein

  - 1g carbohydrates

  - 0g fat

Benefits: Contains antioxidants, adds warm flavor.

Salt and Black Pepper (to taste):

  - Salt: Approximately 0 calories, 0g protein, 0g carbohydrates, 0g fat. Benefits: Enhances flavor; excessive use can affect health.

  - Black Pepper (1/2 tsp): Approximately 3 calories, 0.1g protein, 1g carbohydrates, 0g fat. Benefits: Contains antioxidants, aids digestion.

Vegetable Oil (2 tbsp):

  - Approximately 240 calories

  - 0g protein

  - 0g carbohydrates

  - 28g fat

Benefits: Provides healthy fats (depending on the type of oil), supports absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Coconut Milk (1 cup or 240ml):

  - Approximately 450 calories

  - 4g protein

  - 6g carbohydrates

  - 48g fat

Benefits: Provides healthy fats, adds a creamy texture, contains vitamins and minerals.

Vegetable or Chicken Broth (1 cup or 240ml):

  - Vegetable Broth: Approximately 15 calories, 0g protein, 3g carbohydrates, 0g fat.

  - Chicken Broth: Approximately 35 calories, 4g protein, 1g carbohydrates, 1g fat.

Benefits: Adds flavor and depth to the dish, low in calories.

Lime or Lemon Juice (1-2 tbsp, optional):

  - Approximately 4-8 calories

  - 0g protein

  - 1-2g carbohydrates

  - 0g fat

Benefits: Rich in vitamin C, adds acidity and fresh flavor.