Family Encyclopedia >> Food

Herbed Crab Parmentier: A Luxurious Seafood Twist on Shepherd's Pie

Ingredients for 6
  • 1 lime
  • 100 g butter
  • 25 cl fresh cream
  • 1 kg Charlotte potatoes
  • 600 g crab meat (frozen, canned, or fresh)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
  • 1 tablespoon chopped chives
  • 1 tablespoon thyme
  • 1 tablespoon marjoram
  • Salt and ground pepper
Preparation
  • Prep time: 10 minutes
  • Cook time: 30-40 minutes

Boil the Charlotte potatoes in salted water for 20-25 minutes until tender. Drain well.

Meanwhile, gently flake the crab meat into a bowl. Grate the lime zest over it, add 1 tablespoon lime juice (note: source specifies lemon, but lime zest suggests lime), 15 cl cream, and chopped chives. Mix delicately to combine flavors.

Preheat oven to 210°C (thermostat 7).

Peel the warm potatoes and pass through a potato ricer or masher. Incorporate the butter, stir until melted, then add remaining cream, salt, pepper, parsley, thyme, and marjoram. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Spoon half the mash into a buttered baking dish, spreading evenly. Layer the crab mixture on top, then cover with remaining mash, smoothing the surface for a neat finish.

Bake for 10 minutes until golden. Serve hot or warm for best texture and flavor.