Indulge in the exotic flavors of French Guiana with our delectable Soupe aux Crabes. This traditional dish captures the essence of the region's coastal bounty, blending succulent crab meat with aromatic herbs and spices. Savor the rich, savory broth as it tantalizes your taste buds with hints of local ingredients, transporting you to the lush rainforests and pristine beaches of this vibrant South American territory. Perfect for any occasion, our Soupe aux Crabes is a celebration of French Guiana's culinary heritage, inviting you to experience its unique fusion of Caribbean, Creole, and South American influences in every comforting spoonful.

Ingredients:

• 500g fresh crab meat, picked and cleaned
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust according to your spice preference)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 liter (4 cups) fish or vegetable broth
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped for garnish

Instructions:

1- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

2- Add the diced carrots, celery, red and green bell peppers to the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.

3- Stir in the diced tomatoes, bay leaf, thyme, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

4- Pour in the fish or vegetable broth, and bring the soup to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

5- Once the vegetables are cooked, add the crab meat to the pot. Simmer gently for another 5-7 minutes until the crab meat is heated through.

6- Stir in the lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

7- Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro.

8- Serve hot with crusty bread or rice on the side.

Enjoy your hearty French Guiana Crab Soup (Soupe aux Crabes) packed with the flavors of the Caribbean coast!

Nutritional Values:

Here's an approximate nutritional breakdown for the ingredients used in the French Guiana Crab Soup recipe:

Crab Meat (500g):

• Calories: 340
• Protein: 69g
• Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:Excellent source of protein, low in fat, rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamin B12, selenium, and zinc, which support immune function, nerve health, and metabolism.

Olive Oil (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 239
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 27g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:Provides healthy monounsaturated fats, contains antioxidants that may reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, and may improve cholesterol levels.

Onion (1 medium):

• Calories: 44
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits:Rich in antioxidants and prebiotic fibers that support digestive health, may help reduce inflammation, and contains compounds that may lower the risk of certain cancers and heart disease.

Garlic (2 cloves):

• Calories: 9
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:Contains compounds with potent medicinal properties, including allicin, which has antibacterial and antiviral properties, may help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and may boost immune function.

Carrots (2 medium):

• Calories: 50
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 4g

benefits:Excellent source of beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, which supports vision health, immune function, and skin health, and contains antioxidants that may reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases.

Celery (2 stalks):

• Calories: 16
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits:Low in calories and rich in water and fiber, which may aid in digestion, promote hydration, and support weight loss, and contains antioxidants that may reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases.

Red Bell Pepper (1 medium):

• Calories: 37
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 3g

benefits:High in vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function, collagen production, and skin health, and contains other antioxidants like beta-carotene and quercetin, which may reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases.

Green Bell Pepper (1 medium):

• Calories: 33
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 3g

benefits:Good source of vitamins A and C, antioxidants that support immune function and skin health, and contains fiber, which supports digestive health and may aid in weight management.

Tomatoes (2 medium):

• Calories: 44
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 4g

benefits:Rich in antioxidants like lycopene, which may reduce the risk of certain cancers and heart disease, and contain vitamins C and K, potassium, and folate, which support immune function, bone health, and heart health.

Fish or Vegetable Broth (1 liter):

• Calories: 20-40 (depending on type and brand)
• Protein: 1-2g
• Fat: 0-1g
• Carbohydrates: 2-4g
• Fiber: 0-1g

benefits:Provides hydration and contains vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes that support overall health and hydration.

Lemon Juice (Juice of 1 lemon):

• Calories: 4
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:Good source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function, collagen production, and skin health, and may aid in digestion and detoxification.

Parsley or Cilantro (for garnish):

• Calories: 1-2 (negligible)
• Protein: <1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: <1g
• Fiber: <1g

benefits:Contains vitamins A, C, and K, antioxidants that support immune function and skin health, and may have anti-inflammatory properties.

These values are approximate and can vary based on factors like specific brands, cooking methods, and ingredient sizes