A seafood boil is a simple, crowd-pleasing dish. This recipe combines the colours and textures of snow crab, green beans and red potatoes. Topped with savoury Cajun butter, this dish looks as good as it tastes!
½ pound (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
3 ½ tbsp (45 ml) mild Cajun spice
1 tbsp (15 ml) chopped parsley
3 lemons
½ cup (125 ml) mild Cajun spice
8 cloves of smashed garlic
1 onion, peeled and cut into 6 pieces
1 pound (500 g) small red-skinned potatoes, halved
4 ears of corn on the cob, cut into 3- to 4-inch pieces
1 pound (500 g) green beans, cleaned and trimmed
5 pounds (2.5 kg) pre-cooked crab legs
1. Allow the butter to soften until it can be easily stirred.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the butter, Cajun spice and parsley. Mix well.
1. Cut 2 of the lemons into quarters. Slice the remaining lemon into smaller wedges and reserve for garnish.
2. Fill a large pot with 12 to 16 cups (3 to 4 litres) of water.
3. Place the 2 quartered lemons in the water with the Cajun spice, garlic and onion. Bring to a boil.
4. Add the potatoes to the pot and cook for 8 minutes.
5. Mix in the crab and corn. Cook for 5 minutes.
6. Drop in green beans and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
7. Drain the seafood mixture, reserving 1 cup (250 ml) of the broth. Transfer mixture to a serving tray.
8. Melt the Cajun butter in a small saucepan and whisk in the reserved broth. Pour over the seafood mixture.
Seafood boils are often served at casual gatherings. This dish goes well with traditional party side dishes like coleslaw, mashed potatoes or potato salad.
