Remove the legs and claws from the crab and break the body in half, reserving as much of the soft, mustard-colored center as possible. Set crab pieces aside and force the crab butter through a sieve into a small bowl. Set aside. Place the clams in a pan, add 1 cup of wine, and steam, covered, over medium heat for 4 to 6 minutes or until clams open. Remove clams, discarding any that do not open. Strain the stock through cheesecloth and reserve. In an 8-quart heatproof casserole or a kettle, heat the oil. Add the onion, garlic and bell pepper and sauté over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for approximately 5 minutes or until vegetables start to soften. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, remaining 2 cups of wine, pepper, herbs and clam stock. Partially cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Add the fish, scallops, shrimp, crab and crab butter. Simmer for approximately 5 minutes or until all seafood is cooked. Do not stir. Add the clams and heat for a scant 1-minute. Sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately from the cooking pot.
Ready in 40 min