Crab au Gratin

Makes 4 generous portions ideal for sharing Time: 30-40 mins

1 tub of lump crabmeat

40g unsalted butter

1 410ml can of evaporated milk

1 celery stalk, finely diced

1 bunch spring onions

2 tbsp flour

2 egg yolks

40g gruyere cheese, grated

40g emmental, grated

Pinch cayenne pepper

A few drops of Tabasco

White pepper

Salt

 

 Method

1. Finely slice the spring onions, reserving some of the green part for garnish
2. Melt the butter in a pan over a medium heat, add the celery and onion and cook gently until soft. Meanwhile, whisk together the evaporated milk & egg yolks.
3. Next stir in the flour and cook for a couple of minutes while stirring, followed by the evaporated milk mixture. Cook for another couple of minutes until it thickens.
4. Remove from the heat and add ½ the cheese, followed by the seasonings. The mixture should be thick but still a runny consistency, you can add a little milk to loosen it if needed. Finally, gently mix in the crabmeat.
5. Transfer the mixture to some oven proof skillets or dishes, and top with the remaining cheese and sliced spring onion. Set aside until ready to bake.
6. Bake in the oven at 180°c for 10-15 minutes (15-20 if cooking from fridge cold) then quickly under the grill until it is nice and golden brown on top. Serve with slices of crusty bread for dipping.