Adam Brand Celebrity Gardener - Chilli Mud Crab

This week's celebrity gardener was Country music singer and songwriter, Adam Brand. Adam's new album 'Built for Speed' was released just over four weeks ago, and has almost gone gold. It is available at music stores for $29.95.

When Adam comes home from touring, he enjoys preparing this meal for his family:

Adam Brand's Chilli Mud Crab

Ingredients

2 leeks, sliced
6 cloves garlic, crushed
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 red capsicum, sliced
1 green capsicum, sliced
8 tomatoes, chopped
1 can tomato puree
1 handful of fresh coriander, chopped
2 fresh chillies, chopped
1 zucchini, sliced
1 cup white wine
1 cup vegetable stock
2 raw mud crabs, cleaned and cracked
10 whole king prawns

Method If using live crabs, put them in the freezer for at least 2 hours; this is the most humane way of killing them. Alternatively green or cooked crabs can be used.Wash and prepare the vegetables.To a large pot of water add all the ingredients except the crabs and prawns. Bring to the boil then reduce to a simmer. Allow stock to simmer for up to 3 hours, occasionally topping up with water as required if level gets too low.Take the crabs out of the freezer. Slide a sharp knife under the top of the shell at the back of the crab. Lever the shell off and discard. Wash the crab thoroughly, removing the gills. Chop the body into quarters, remove the claws and nippers and chop the nippers into large pieces.Add the crabs and prawns to the pot. Simmer gently for 30 minutes. (If using cooked crabs, stir into the broth just before serving.)

Serve with rice or a green salad.

Serves 4.

Copyright 2002 CTC Productions