*  Exported from  MasterCook  *

            Grilled Soft Shelled Crabs with Braised Scallions

Recipe By     : Molto Mario
Serving Size  : 4    Preparation Time :0:00
Categories    : Vegetables

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
     1/2  pound         broccoli rabe,whole -- blanched, refreshed
   3      tablespoons   extra virgin olive oil -- plus 1/4 C
  24                    scallions or spring onions -- root end trimmed
     1/2  cup           sweet vermouth
     1/4  cup           sundried tomatoes
                        soaked 10 minutes in 1/2 cup boiling water
   2      tablespoons   balsamic vinegar
   1      tablespoon    capers
  12                    prime or small soft shell crabs

Preheat grill.

Remove florets from broccoli rabe and cut stems and leaves into 1-inch pieces. 
In a 10-inch to 12-inch sautJ pan, heat 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil until just smoking. 
Toss scallions and cook 2 minutes, stirring
often until just wilted. Add broccoli rabe and sweet vermouth and continue
 cooking 2 to 3 minutes, until scallions are quite soft. Season with salt and pepper.
 Set aside and allow to cool to room temperature. In a blender, add sundried tomatoes,
 soaking water, balsamic vinegar, capers and 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil and blend until smooth,
 about 1 minute. Remove from blender and set aside.

Clean soft shell crabs by cutting off face and removing.
 Season with black pepper and place onto grill. Cook until crisp and bright red 
(about 5 minutes each side). Meanwhile, divide rabe/scallion mixture among 4 plates.
Place 3 crabs on each plate, drip 2 tablespoons tomato pesto around crabs and serve immediately.



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