Boiled Crabs

Fill a very large kettle with abundant water to cover the crabs, when added. Bring to a brisk boil over high heat. Plunge crabs alive and boil until they stop kicking. Immediately drain and wash under cold running water.

Rinse kettle and fill again with abundant over-salted water. Add peeled onions, halved, green peppers, seeded, sweet chili peppers, seeded, cloves garlic and fresh “culantro” leaves. Bring to a brisk boil over high heat. Drop in crabs and boil for 20 minutes. Drain.

When cool enough to handle, grab crabs, one at a time, and place on back. Remove and discard “apron” or tail facing. Twist off claws and legs. Crack the claws and pull or pick out meat. Scoop meat from leg sockets, keeping free from bones. Reserve meat from claws and legs.