Crab in Coconut Squash Sauce - Filipino Ginataan na Alimasag

Saute garlic, ginger, and onions in oil in a deep pan or wok.

Add the coconut milk. Add the cubed squash. Chop off the bottom stems (thick and hard parts) of the kangkong/water spinach. Get the leaves and young stems only, chop coarsely. Add to the pan.

Simmer and cover until squash is tender. Mash squash coarsely with spatula. Season with patis (fish sauce, few drops), salt and pepper to taste.

Add halved crabs (make sure you have cleaned and removed the grime, separated the claws, and cut in half). Add the claws. Cutting in half lets the fat melt in the sauce, making it delicious. You can also opt to add the crabs whole (if you prefer to enjoy the crab head cover with all it's goodness) and just adjust the taste with seasoning. Don't remove the claws as well if ever, as the fat will seep out of the shell.

Add a small portion of a chicken or seafood broth cube- not all, adjust to your taste. Mix in well.

Cook covered until crab changes color (bright orange). Add sliced chilies if desired. Mix in. Serve while hot. :)