Crab Shala

Growing up, my family used to have get togethers at my Grandparent’s property. My Grandparent’s live in Bushnell, FL and have lived there for all of my life. They used to have cows, bulls, chickens, goats, ducks, and a pony. I even remember my Pre-school taking a field trip to my Grandparent’s animal farm.

Every chance my family would get, they’d throw a shin-dig called a Crab Shala Party.

What in the world is Crab Shala you ask???

You are looking at it, my friend…

Most people have never heard of this dish and that’s because it’s supposedly only seen in the coastal areas of Florida. Every family has their own special recipe, but most likely it involves blue crab, shell and all, tomato sauce, green bell pepper, onions, Crab Boil and is eaten on top of spaghetti.

Crab Shala

1 dozen cleaned blue crabs

1/2 green pepper chopped

1/2 onion chopped

3 peeled and chopped potatoes

2 cloves garlic minced

4 bay leaves

2 cans tomato sauce

1 can tomato puree

1 T cayenne pepper

1 bag Crab Boil

Olive Oil

Salt and Pepper

(Cuban Bread and Spaghetti)

Start by rinsing 1 dozen cleaned blue crabs.

Chop your veggies and saute the pepper and the onion in a pan with olive oil. Add garlic, I use Garlic Gold.

Once the onion and pepper are tender, add the tomato sauce, puree, and the bay leaves.

Add salt and pepper and bring to a simmer and reduce heat.

In a large pot full of water, add 1 bag of Crab Boil and cayenne pepper and bring to a boil.

Once water is at a roiling boil, add crabs and cook till they are bright red.

Drain the water from the crabs and remove the bag of Crab Boil.

Then add the red sauce to the crabs and toss in your chopped potatoes.

Cover and simmer, letting the flavors mix for about an hour. (Our crabs simmered for multiple hours at our shin-digs).

The final result…

Perfect on top of cooked spaghetti with loads of Cuban Bread for dipping.
I recommend lots of napkins and it’s probably best to not wear white.

This recipe brings back so many great memories… Country music blaring outside, sauce splattering, shells cracking, and lots and lots of laughter.

What are some of your favorite recipes you grew up with?