Moeche frite

"Moeche frite" recipe (fried molting green crabs)

To prepare this authentic masterpiece of Clodiense cuisine, it is essential to contact a trusted fishmonger: only a few fishermen - called “moecanti” - are in fact able to correctly separate the mud crabs suitable for preparation: it is a manual operation that justifies the cost of this dish.

Preparation

Beat the eggs without salt or seasoning and put them in a container big enoughto hold the moeche.
Rinse the live moeche and place them in the container and refrigerate for 2 hours, during which time the crabs will eat the eggs.
Prepare the polenta leaving it soft, almost so it makes a wave when stirring.
Bring the oil to temperature in a deep pan, quickly flour the moeche and fry them for 3 or 4 minutes, until they are golden brown. Drain them on a wire rack and serve them on a polenta bed, salting and flavouring with lime shavings.