CRAB CAKES WITH TOMATO CREAM SAUCE

Crab Cakes with Tomato Cream Sauce image

Yield Makes 4 appetizer or 2 main-course servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

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2 8-ounce bottles clam juice
2 cups whipping cream
1 1/4 cups chopped seeded tomatoes
1/3 cup diced carrot
2 tablespoons brandy
1 teaspoon chopped seeded jalapeño chili
3/4 teaspoon Hungarian sweet paprika
Pinch of cayenne pepper
1 pound fresh crabmeat
2 3/4 cups fresh breadcrumbs made from French bread
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil
Lemon wedges

Steps:

Bring clam juice, cream, tomatoes, carrot, brandy, jalapeño chili, and 1/4 teaspoon paprika to boil in heavy large saucepan. Reduce heat to medium; simmer until sauce is reduced to 2 cups, stirring occasionally, about 45 minutes. Puree sauce in blender until smooth. Return to saucepan; add pinch of cayenne pepper. Season sauce to taste with salt. (Sauce can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
Combine crabmeat, 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, remaining 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and 1/8 teaspoon cayenne in large bowl, mixing until well blended. Form eight 1/2-inch-thick crab cakes, using scant 1/2 cup mixture for each. Coat crab cakes with remaining 1 1/4 cups breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. (Can be prepared 4 hours ahead. Arrange in single layer on baking sheet. Cover and chill.)
Heat olive oil in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 crab cakes to skillet and fry until golden and heated through, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer to paper-towel-lined plate. Repeat with remaining crab cakes.
Meanwhile, bring sauce to simmer. Divide sauce among plates; top with crab cakes. Garnish each with lemon wedges.