An uplifting if unusual flavour in pesto, mint is a well loved herb that cuts the richness of this crab cake.
Serves 6-8
Crab Cake
1 pound (450 g) crabmeat, fresh or pasteurized
1 large egg
¼ cup (60 ml) mayonnaise
2 teaspoons (10 ml) Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon (5 ml) fresh lemon juice
1-3 dashes hot sauce
1 cup (250 ml) fine breadcrumbs
½ teaspoon (2 ml) red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon (15 ml) green onions chopped
2 tablespoon (30 ml) canola oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Chili oil
2 cups (500 ml) vegetable or olive oil
3-5 whole dried red chilies
Steamed asparagus
Mint Pesto
2 cloves garlic
¼ cup (60 ml) pine nuts
2½ cups (500 ml) fresh mint leaves
½ cup (125 ml) fresh basil leaves
½ cup (125 ml) grated Parmesan
½ teaspoon (2 ml) salt
¼ cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
For the Crabcake
1 In a bowl combine the egg, mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, green onion, salt and pepper.
2 Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the mixture, a little at a time incorporating until a loose, moist mixture forms. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.
3 Remove from refrigerator and shape crab mixture into cakes about 1 inch (3 cm) thick. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook cakes until golden brown about 4 minutes per side.
For the Chili Oil
1 In a saucepan over low heat combine the chili and oil. Cook stirring occasionally until oil is warmed but not hot, about 5 minutes.
2 Remove from heat and let cool.
3 Store in an air tighter glass container.
For the Mint Pesto
1 Place basil, mint, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan and salt in a food processor. While machine is running, slowly add the oil in a steady stream. Process to desired consistency.
To Assemble
Place one crab cake on a plate. Top with steamed asparagus. Place another crab cake on asparagus forming a sandwich. Drizzle with mint pesto and chili oil around the perimeter of crab cake.
This original recipe first appeared in the Spring 2014 issue of City Style and Living Magazine.
Don’t Forget to Follow City Style and Living on Social Channels: Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest
