Spanner Crab Lasagnette
Handmade pasta sheets layered with spanner crab.
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Lasagnette, being a smaller, thinner version of lasagna, inherits its lineage from the ancient Roman 'laganon,' a flatbread precursor to pasta. The introduction of seafood, specifically spanner crab, reflects modern culinary innovation and the global availability of ingredients, blending Italian tradition with Australian bounty. The dish represents a contemporary evolution, using classic techniques with luxurious, regional ingredients.
While not a traditional Italian dish in the strictest sense, Spanner Crab Lasagnette embodies the Italian culinary spirit of adaptation and appreciation for high-quality ingredients. It reflects a modern trend of chefs drawing inspiration from global flavors while maintaining a commitment to traditional techniques.
Celebrating Seafood
Italy, being a peninsula, has a strong tradition of seafood cookery. While primarily focused on fish and shellfish readily available in the Mediterranean, the lasagnette format allows for experimentation with other types of seafood such as the Spanner Crab.
Handmade Pasta as a Sign of Affection
Handmade pasta in Italy signifies care and attention to detail. It's often associated with family gatherings and special occasions, representing a labor of love.
Regional Ingredient Focus
Italians place a high value on using seasonal and local ingredients. Using Spanner Crab in an Australian iteration or an Italian restaurant embracing global ingredients, reflects this devotion to the best quality produce.
The Spanner Crab Lasagnette presents a harmonious blend of sweet, briny seafood with creamy, rich pasta. Expect delicate crab flavor amplified by complementary sauces and herbs.
The dominant flavor is the sweet, delicate taste of spanner crab, often enhanced by a creamy béchamel sauce or a light tomato-based sauce. Herbs like parsley, basil, or chives contribute freshness. Lemon zest can add a bright citrus note to cut through the richness. The handmade pasta sheets provide a tender, slightly chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the succulent crab meat. The overall flavor profile is refined and elegant, highlighting the quality of the ingredients.
Crab Preparation
Ensure the spanner crab meat is meticulously picked and free of any shell fragments. Gently sauté the crab meat with aromatics like garlic and shallots to enhance its natural sweetness.
Pasta Perfection
Roll the pasta sheets thinly for a delicate texture. Blanch them briefly before layering to ensure they cook evenly in the oven or during assembly if serving immediately.
Sauce Balance
Choose a sauce that complements the crab's delicate flavor without overpowering it. A light béchamel infused with lemon zest or a simple tomato sauce with a touch of cream works well. Avoid heavy, overly spiced sauces.
Assembly and Presentation
Layer the lasagnette carefully, alternating pasta sheets, crab meat, and sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for visual appeal. The arrangement of crab on the plate makes a difference to the overall experience.
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