Warm Mexican Crab Dip

Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons seeded and chopped jalapeno pepper, plus slices for garnish, optional
  • 1/2 cup light beer
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese
  • 1 (8-ounce) block pasteurized prepared cheese product
  • 1 pound lump crabmeat, drained and picked for shells
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, (about 2 limes)
  • 1/4 cup minced green onion
  • 1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro leaves
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Pinch freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Tortilla chips, for serving, recipe follows
Instructions

In a 4-quart saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, jalapeno pepper, and garlic and cook stirring frequently, for 3 minutes. Stir in the beer and cook until the liquid is reduced by half. Stir in the cream, cream cheese, and processed cheese, whisking until melted and smooth.

Stir in crabmeat, lime juice, green onion, cilantro, and chili powder and simmer for 15 minutes. Add the salt, black pepper, cayenne, and cumin. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and garnish with sliced jalapeno pepper, if desired. Serve hot with tortilla chips.

Makes 4-6 servings, Difficulty: Intermediate