Courtesy Pat Donahue, executive chef, Anthony’s Restaurants, Seattle
Dungeness crab is a Washington delicacy. This hearty fall recipe from Pat Donahue at Anthony’s Restaurants brings a wonderful richness of flavor, with the crab served over a delicate “soufflé,” or pudding, of cornbread. The combination plays perfectly off a Washington State Chardonnay.
Published: August 29, 2019
Dungeness Crab Ingredients
Dungeness Crab Directions
Heat oven to 350˚F. Melt 2 tablespoons butter and brush onto corn. Place on baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Hold cob with pointed top turned down against a cutting board. Carefully cut kernels off and add to bowl with red pepper, basil, lime juice and orange juice. Season with salt, to taste. Toss gently to combine. Extra salsa can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Reduce oven to 325˚F. Bring milk to boil in small saucepan over high heat. Add cream, then remove from heat and pour over crumbled cornbread. Set aside until liquid is absorbed. In separate bowl, whisk eggs, 1½ teaspoons salt and pepper. Fold into cornbread mixture. Butter 8×8-inch pan with remaining 2 tablespoons butter, pour in batter. Place in larger roasting pan, and fill roasting pan with enough hot tap water to come halfway up sides of small pan. Bake for 20 minutes or until custard is set in center. Remove from oven and hot water bath to cool. Cut into 4 squares.
Divide cornbread soufflé between 4 plates or shallow bowls. Distribute crab meat among plates. Ladle ½ cup lobster sauce around and on top of soufflé. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons roasted corn salsa around pudding and crab. Garnish with tarragon or microgreens. Serves 4.
Cornbread Soufflé Ingredients
Cornbread Soufflé Directions
Heat oven 325˚F. In large bowl, mix together all dry ingredients. In separate bowl, mix together melted butter, milk and eggs. Add to dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Pour into buttered 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven. Gently flip onto cutting board, to cool.
Creamy Lobster Sauce Ingredients and Directions
In small bowl, combine ¾ cup water, 4 teaspoons lobster base (like Better Than Bouillon) and 4 teaspoons tomato paste. Whisk until well mixed. In medium saucepan, melt 1½ tablespoons unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add 6 tablespoons flour and whisk for 1–2 minutes to make roux. Slowly add 3 cups heavy whipping cream, and bring to boil, whisking to keep flour from sticking to pot. Add lobster base mixture and whisk until combined. Use silicone spatula to get roux out from corners of pot, and whisk well. Stir in ⅛ teaspoon sugar, ½ teaspoon Pernod or Sambuca, 3 tablespoons Lillet Blanc, and salt and pepper, to taste. Use immediately or keep warm in double broiler. Makes about 1 quart.
Wine Pairing
Woodward Canyon 2018 Chardonnay (Washington) is a luxurious wine with lemony acidity that is a perfect counterpoint to the sweet seafood and corn in this dish. A kiss of new French oak adds enough texture to stand up to such rich food, helps compliment the creaminess of the lobster sauce and ensures crab remains the star.
