Spagetti with Crab Sauce

Ingredients

    * 1 (2-pound) live dungeness crab
    * 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
    * 2 large cloves garlic, crushed
    * 2 1/2 pounds tomatoes, canned, peeled, and finely chopped
    * Salt and pepper
    * 1 bunch parsley, finely chopped to yield 1/4 cup
    * 1 pound spaghettini

Directions

In a large saucepan, place the crab on its back and cover with cold water. Cover and bring the pan to a simmer, then lower the heat, and cook for 4 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 10 minutes.

Break off the crab legs and set aside. Pull off the large back shell, and clean out the debris. Remove the air sacs and break the body into small pieces. Crack the legs and claws, remove the meat, and set aside.

In a large wide pan, heat the olive oil and add the garlic. Cook for five minutes, then add the tomatoes and salt and pepper, to taste. Cook over medium-low heat for 20 minutes, then add the parsley and crabmeat. Simmer 5 minutes.

Bring 6 quarts of water to a boil and add 2 tablespoons salt. Cook the pasta in the water until it is tender yet al dente. Drain the pasta and add to the hot sauce. Toss over high heat one minute, then divide evenly among four warmed pasta bowls and serve immediately.

last updated 24 Dec 2008