Crab with Cos, Dill Sauce, and Sunflower Seeds

Ingredients for Crab with Cos, Dill Sauce, and Sunflower Seeds

• 60ml raw sunflower seeds

• 2 cups vegetable oil

• Kosher salt

• 1 bunch dill, tough stems removed, very coarsely chopped (about 475ml ), plus sprigs for serving

• 80ml buttermilk

• 60ml whole milk

• 60ml sunflower or vegetable oil, plus more for drizzling

• 1/4 teaspoons guar gum (optional)

• 2 cos hearts, halved lengthwise

• 350g lump crabmeat, picked over

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• A 1-pint jar, 2 layers of cheesecloth, and a deep-fry thermometer

Place sunflower seeds in jar and pour in cold water to cover. Seal jar and let seeds sit at least 8 hours and up to 12 hours.

Drain sunflower seeds and return to jar. Cover with a double layer of cheesecloth, secure with a rubber band, and let seeds sit until just beginning to sprout, at least 12 hours and up to 1 day. Pat dry with paper towels.

Heat vegetable oil in a medium saucepan fitted with thermometer over medium-high until thermometer registers 177°C. Carefully add sunflower seeds and cook, swirling pan, until puffed and golden brown, about 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels to drain; season with salt. Let cool.

Cook chopped dill in a large saucepan of boiling salted water just until wilted and bright green, about 30 seconds. Immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water and swish around to cool as quickly as possible. Drain dill and gently squeeze to remove excess water.

Blend dill, buttermilk, and milk in a blender until mixture is bright green and smooth. With motor running, gradually stream in 60ml sunflower oil followed by guar gum, if using (guar gum will give the sauce body without impacting flavour; if omitting, sauce will be a bit runny but equally tasty); season with salt. Transfer dill sauce to a medium bowl. Cover and chill.

Prepare a grill for medium-high heat. Lightly drizzle cut sides of cos with more sunflower oil; season with salt. Grill, cut side down, until grill marks appear but lettuce is still very crunchy, about 45 seconds. (Or char in a grill pan over medium-high.) Transfer to a platter; let cool.

Heat crabmeat, olive oil, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a medium saucepan over low, stirring gently, until slightly warm; season with salt.

Divide crab mixture among plates. Gently dip cos in dill sauce and turn to coat completely, letting excess drip back into bowl. Arrange over crab; top with dill sprigs and fried sunflower seeds.

Dill sauce can be made 1 day ahead. Keep chilled.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.