Traditional Maryland Crab Soup

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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Traditional Maryland Crab Soup is a delightful homage to the Chesapeake Bay's bounty. Bursting with fresh crab and hearty vegetables, this soup is a perfect blend of coastal and comfort foods. It's sure to warm you up on a chilly day!

Ingredients for Traditional Maryland Crab Soup

Blue crab meat is the star of the show, offering sweet, delicate flavors. Fresh is best, but canned works in a pinch.

Water and beef broth form the soup base, with the broth adding a depth of flavor that complements the seafood.

Diced tomatoes add a bit of acidity and color, balancing the sweetness of the crab.

Corn kernels bring a touch of sweetness and texture. Fresh or frozen work equally well.

Green beans, potatoes, and carrots contribute to the heartiness, making this a filling soup.

Onion and garlic provide aromatic depth, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Tomato paste thickens the soup slightly and intensifies the tomato flavor.

Old Bay seasoning is a must; it’s the quintessential Maryland spice blend that ties the whole dish together.

Worcestershire sauce adds a subtle umami note, enhancing the soup's savory qualities.

Black pepper and salt season the soup, allowing the other flavors to shine.

Tips & Tricks

  • If fresh crab is unavailable, high-quality canned crab is a good substitute.
  • For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes after cooking.
  • Adjust the Old Bay seasoning to your taste preference for more or less spice.
  • Use a potato masher to gently break down some vegetables for a creamier consistency.

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs beautifully with a crusty baguette or a slice of cornbread to soak up the rich broth. A crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette also complements the soup's flavors wonderfully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Just store it in an airtight container for up to three months.
Can I use imitation crab meat?
While not ideal, imitation crab can be used if you're in a pinch. Just be aware that the flavor and texture will differ.
How can I make this soup spicier?
Consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to heat things up.

Traditional Maryland Crab Soup Recipe Walkthrough

Start by placing a large pot over medium heat. Pour in 3 cups of water and 1 cup of beef broth, bringing them to a gentle simmer. This forms the base of your soup.

Once simmering, add 1 cup of diced tomatoes, 1 cup of corn kernels, 1 cup of green beans, 1 cup of diced potatoes, 1/2 cup of diced carrots, and 1/2 cup of chopped onion. Stir them in to ensure they're evenly distributed.

Next, incorporate 1/4 cup of tomato paste, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of Old Bay seasoning, 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Add salt to taste. Stir everything together until well combined.

Cover the pot and let the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes. This gives the vegetables time to become tender and flavors to meld beautifully.

After 20 minutes, gently fold in 1 lb of blue crab meat. Let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes, allowing the crab to heat through and absorb the soup's flavors.

Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the soup hot and enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich and savory flavors that capture the essence of Maryland.
  • Loaded with nutritious vegetables and tender crab meat.
  • Quick to prepare, yet impressive enough for guests.
  • Perfect for any season, but especially comforting in cooler months.

Ingredients

1 lb blue crab meat
3 cups water
1 cup beef broth
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 cup corn kernels
1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup diced potatoes
1/2 cup diced carrots
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup tomato paste
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp black pepper
Salt to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1: In a large pot, bring water and beef broth to a simmer over medium heat.
2: Add the diced tomatoes, corn, green beans, potatoes, carrots, and onion to the pot.
3: Stir in the tomato paste, garlic, Old Bay seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and salt.
4: Cover and let the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
5: Gently fold in the blue crab meat and continue to simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
6: Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve hot.

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