Soft Shell Crab Poboy

Vegetable oil, for deep-frying
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons water
4 large soft-shell crabs, cleaned, rinsed, and patted dry
4 (7-inch) lengths French bread, cut in 1/2 lengthwise
1/2 cup Tartar Sauce, recipe follows
2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
12 thin slices ripe tomato
12 dill pickle slices


In a large pot, heat 2 inches of oil to 375 degrees F.

In a bowl, combine the flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon cayenne. In another bowl, combine the cornmeal, 1 teaspoon of the Essence, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon cayenne.

In a small bowl, beat the eggs and water. One at a time, lightly coat the crabs with the flour mixture, then dip into the egg wash, followed by the cornmeal to coat.

With tongs, lower 2 crabs at a time into the hot oil. Fry, turning once, until golden and crisp, 3 to 4 minutes. Drain on paper towels and season lightly with Essence.

Spread both sides of the French bread with tartar sauce. Layer the lettuce, tomatoes and pickles over the bottom half of the bread and top with 1 crab. Close the sandwiches and serve immediately.

Yield: 2/3 cup

Tartar Sauce:
1 large egg
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped parsley leaves
2 tablespoons chopped green onions
1 cup olive oil
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
1 tablespoon mustard
1 teaspoon salt

Put the egg, garlic, lemon juice, parsley, and green onions in a food processor and puree for 15 seconds. With the processor running, pour the oil through the feed tube in a steady stream. Add the cayenne, mustard, and salt and pulse once or twice to blend.

Transfer to a bowl, cover and refrigerate until well chilled before serving, 1 hour.