Entree: Antigua and Barbuda – Southern Culinary Region – Callaloo and Crab (Slow-simmered leafy callaloo cooked with coconut milk and seasoned with fresh crab and aromatics)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 15 min

Cook 25 min

Additional 15 min

Total 55 min

Ingredients

- 1 lb (450 g) callaloo leaves, chopped (taro, amaranth, or substitute spinach if unavailable)
- 1 lb (450 g) fresh crab meat or picked crab (can use whole cleaned crab equivalent)
- 13.5 oz (400 ml) coconut milk (1 can)
- 1 cup (240 ml) water or fish stock
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 stalks scallion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small tomato, diced
- 1/2 cup (75 g) okra, sliced (optional, for thickening)
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper, left whole for heat (pierce for more heat)
- 1 tsp (1 g) fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 tsp (3 g) ground allspice (pimento)
- 1 tsp (5 g) salt, adjust to taste
- 1/2 tsp (1 g) freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp (15 g) chopped fresh parsley or culantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a heavy pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, scallion, and bell pepper; cook 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook 1 minute more.
2. Add the diced tomato, thyme, ground allspice, salt, and black pepper. Cook 2–3 minutes until the tomato breaks down.
3. Stir in the chopped callaloo leaves and okra (if using), coating with the aromatics. Cook until the greens begin to wilt, about 3–4 minutes.
4. Pour in the coconut milk and 1 cup (240 ml) water or fish stock, add the whole scotch bonnet pepper, and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Add the crab meat, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld and the stew thickens slightly. Taste and adjust salt and heat (remove or pierce scotch bonnet for more heat).
6. Remove the scotch bonnet pepper. Stir in the lime juice and garnish with chopped parsley or culantro. Serve hot with rice, boiled provisions, or Caribbean bread.