Doorknobs In Salad

Preparation:

Preparation: Wash the masanete (the female crabs) several times, then boil them in plenty of lightly salted boiling water; they should be put in the pot still alive to be sure they are very fresh. Cook them for seven to eight minutes, no more, then turn off the heat and let them cool in their water. Drain them, remove the legs and, with a pair of scissors, cut the carapace. Put the masanete in a salad bowl, dress them while still warm with chopped garlic and parsley, oil, salt and pepper. Let them rest for at least an hour to absorb the sauce, then serve them, perhaps accompanied by slices of white polenta.