Hot Artichoke and Crab Dip ~ Crazy Low Carbs!!!

[Chef Barrae]

I learned this recipe a very long time ago while working in a gourmet store and have made a few changes appropriate for diabetics. Artichokes are wonderful, healthy vegetables and contain a great amount of fiber. Paired with crab meat, or if you prefer surimi crab meat, only makes them better. Add Parmesan cheese and you have taken it to new heights. This dip is best served warm or room temperature and I have chosen to use endive spears as little cups to hold this thick and rich dip, but of course you can use whatever you prefer. This is another recipe where you can substitute surimi crab instead of the pricey lump crab meat and it will still be delicious. The net carbohydrate in this dip is so low you may notice I doubled the serving size. I hope you enjoy.

Hot Artichoke and Crab Dip

Ingredients:

1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1 - 9 ounce package of frozen artichoke hearts, defrosted and rough chopped
8 ounces lump crab meat, picked and clean or 8 ounces surimi imitation crab meat
1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded, reserving 1/4 cup for the topping
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper, or to taste
freshly ground black pepper
vegetable spray

Preheat oven to 350'

Blend the mayonnaise and sour cream in a bowl. Add the rough chopped artichokes, 3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese and lump crab meat. Season with cayenne and black pepper. If you are using the surimi crab meat you'll need to rough chop that also before adding it.

Lightly coat a medium casserole dish that the dip will be served in with vegetable spray and transfer the mixture to the dish. Smooth the top with a spatula and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese and additional black pepper if desired. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until it is bubbly and the top is browned.

Nutritional Facts Using the Surimi Crab Meat
(Lump crab will have even less carbs but higher cholesterol, sodium and potassium)
20 - 1/4 Cup Servings - Yields 5 Cups Total
Amount Per Serving
Calories 116.8
Total Fat 10.4 g
Saturated Fat 2.6 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1 g
Monounsaturated Fat 0.7 g
Cholesterol 9.1 mg
Sodium 215.1 mg
Potassium 13.2 mg
Total Carbohydrate 3.3 g
Dietary Fiber 0.8 g
Sugars 0.9 g
Protein 2.7 g

[e||ement]

i have had this...or something VERY similar...and it IS divine!

[Granny Shanny]

Yay! The cayenne makes the scene!

This IS good dip - I've had something very similar also - a friend who does catering uses it a lot.

[skinny 'betic]

Sounds like something I'd get carried away with and although the carb count per serving is low would spike me cuz I'd end up eating all 20 servings lol!

[Chef Barrae]

Sounds like something I'd get carried away with and although the carb count per serving is low would spike me cuz I'd end up eating all 20 servings lol!

Yes, it is really good! lol. But, I think that it would fill you up long before you ate that much of it!!!

[Abra]

I just want to mention that surimi has 8.7 grams of carbs per ounce, for those who might be thinking of substituting.

[Chef Barrae]

I just want to mention that surimi has 8.7 grams of carbs per ounce, for those who might be thinking of substituting.

Thanks Abra! And even using the surimi crab there are only 2.5 grans net carbs in a serving! Using lump crab meat is even less but has more sodium, potassium and cholesterol. Besides, it is so much more expensive. Both taste delicious and the surimi crab still has a very, very low net carb result in each serving!

[Abra]

I guess carb counters can really differ. I use this one Carbs in surimi - Carb Counter and it lists 8.9 grams net carbs, because 0 fiber, per ounce for surimi. Just proves you need to read the label on your particular batch.

[HuskerMychal]

Different manufacturers of surimi have different carb counts. I have looked at most of them and saw this (I LOVE CRAB). There is also a faux lobster that I found that had a low carb count. Personally though I would just go for some nice fresh dungeness YUUUUUMMMMM

[Chef Barrae]

I guess carb counters can really differ. I use this one Carbs in surimi - Carb Counter and it lists 8.9 grams net carbs, because 0 fiber, per ounce for surimi. Just proves you need to read the label on your particular batch.

I am not saying that you are incorrect. But you are not taking into account all of the ingredients, the total yield of the recipe, the number of portions and the portion size. All of these things are part of calculating the final nutrition facts. So, I don't really understand your point.

[irishnproud2b]

What is the best thing to "dip" in this crab dip?

[Chef Barrae]

What is the best thing to "dip" in this crab dip?

I used endive spears. Endive has a very mildly bitter taste and is a great contrast to the sweetness of the crab. And the best part about endive is that there are practically no carbs! One ounce of endive is 1 gram of carbs and one ounce is more than one spear, depending on the size. You can also make the chips that I posted here a few days ago. They are also very low carb and taste great.