Linguine with Crab, Fresh Chilli, and Lemon Zest

Ingredients

Crab Sauce

• 450 grams dressed crab (including shells, for presentation)
• 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves (peeled and finely chopped)
• 1 medium-hot red chilli (de-seeded and finely chopped)
• 3 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley (finely chopped)
• 1 lemon (zest)
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (squeezed)
• Salt to taste

Pasta

• 500 grams linguine

Method

Stage 1 - Prepare Crab

1. Using a tablespoon, scoop crab meat from the shell and claws into a bowl.
2. Mix together the white and brown meat gently to combine.

Stage 2 - Cook Pasta

1. Bring a large saucepan of boiling salted water to the boil.
2. Cook pasta until al dente.
3. Note the exact timing as you'll use this to coordinate the sauce.

Stage 3 - Make Sauce

1. While pasta cooks, heat oil in a large frying pan over low heat.
2. Add chopped garlic and chilli and fry gently for 30 seconds only (not longer, or it becomes bitter).
3. Add crab meat with parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
4. Cook for 1 minute until crab is just heated through.
5. Season with salt and set aside off the heat.

Stage 4 - Combine & Serve

1. Drain pasta thoroughly and tip into the pan with the crab sauce.
2. Off the heat, stir everything together gently for 30 seconds to allow flavors to combine.
3. Divide among warmed bowls.
4. Serve immediately at the table.