Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil
  • 1 pinch Crushed red pepper
  • 1 Small onion, finely diced
  • 2 Leeks, white/green parts only, well-washed, sliced thinly then chopped
  • 2 Stalks celery with leaves, finely diced
  • 1 Small fennel bulb, cored and finely diced
  • 2 Cloves plump garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Green bell pepper, minced
  • 3/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Fresh ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Chili Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Each: ground coriander and ground cumin
  • 1 Small handful fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 Bay leaf
  • 2 cups Clam juice, bottled or fish stock
  • 2 cups Chicken broth
  • 1 cup Water
  • 2 cups White beans, cooked (Northern or Cannellini)
  • 1 15-ounce can chopped tomatoes, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup Cooked lump crab meat (picked over) or 2 6-ounce cans of crab, drained/rinsed
  • 3 tablespoons Each: Minced green onion, green bell pepper, cilantro-for garnish (toss together)
  • 2 ounces Extra sharp Cheddar cheese, grated--for garnish

Method

  • In a 6-quart heavy pot with lid, heat oil over medium heat and add the pinch of crushed red pepper, cooking for 30 seconds. Tip in fresh vegetables: onion, leeks, celery, fennel, garlic, green pepper. Season with salt and pepper, chili powder, coriander, cumin, parsley and bay leaf. Cook, stirring, 6 or 7 minutes without browning.
  • Pour in liquids --clam juice, broth, water--along with the beans and drained tomatoes. Cover and bring to a boil. Taste and adjust seasonings. Cook 20 minutes partly covered or until vegetables are all quite tender.
  • Stir in the crab. Heat through and simmer a few minutes. Toss together the green onion, green pepper, and cilantro for a fresh salsa garnish and set aside briefly. Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve hot garnished with the fresh green onion salsa and grated cheese.
  • Whoever gets the bay leaf does the dishes. (Store leftovers tightly covered for no more than 48 hours.)