A few weeks ago we were invited by friends for dinner. As a starter they served a lovely crab pasta dish, and I just had to ask for the recipe (note: the rest of the dinner was equally delicious and, as always, the company great fun!).

So, last week I was wandering through Ottery St Mary on my way to buy some fruit and veg from the lovely Otter Produce, when I passed the fishmonger. Outside, there was a sign which read: ‘Local crab on sale today’. I couldn’t resist, I love all things ‘local’…food in particular!

After a friendly chat with the fishmonger he told me that they were struggling to source local crab at the moment, due to rough seas. He also had a great variety of lovely looking fish and shellfish – I plan to return for some mussels soon, I have a great Thai recipe which I know the hubby adores.

Delighted with my purchase I practically skipped back to the car!

Right, now for the recipe. The best part of this is that it is super tasty with very little hassle, ideal for a lazy weekend lunch or quick supper.

Spaghetti with crab, lime and chilli (serves 2)

150g of crab meat – I prefer only the white meat but toss some extra brown meat in my husband’s portion.

Juice and zest of 2 limes

Juice of 1 lemon

1 clove of garlic, crushed

1/4 cup of chopped parsley

1/4 cup of chopped spring onions

1 small red chilli, finely chopped

1tsp of sea salt

freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil

200g of spaghetti

Place the crab meat, lime and lemon juice and zest, garlic, parsley, spring onions, chilli, salt and pepper in a small bowl and stir in the olive oil to combine. Cook the spaghetti, according to the packet, and drain well.

Then finally, toss the pasta into the crab mixture and serve… simply divine.

Let me know if you try this, and I’m also very keen to try new recipes if you have any favourites.

Lxx