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Maryland Crab Soup

Maryland Crab Soup
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Maryland Crab Soup is a classic East Coast seafood dish featuring fresh crab meat, hearty vegetables, and a savory broth. This quick and easy recipe combines the true flavors of Chesapeake Bay for a nutritious, comforting bowl perfect any time of the year.

Ingredients

Scale

Seafood

  • 1 pound fresh lump or backfin crab meat

Vegetables

  • 2 medium carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cups diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
  • 2 cups diced potatoes (red or Yukon gold)

Broth

  • 6 cups chicken broth or seafood broth

Seasonings

  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Herbs and Oils

  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil (vegetable or olive oil)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or thyme, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Wash and chop all vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Drain and pick through the crab meat to remove any shells or cartilage for a smooth finish.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. This step builds the flavor base of the soup.
  3. Add Broth, Potatoes, and Seasonings: Pour in chicken or seafood broth. Add diced potatoes, bay leaves, and Old Bay seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, approximately 15 minutes.
  4. Incorporate Tomatoes and Crab Meat: Add diced tomatoes and gently fold in the crab meat. Simmer for another 5 minutes to warm through without breaking up the delicate crab pieces.
  5. Final Seasoning and Herbs: Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Stir in Worcestershire sauce for added complexity. Remove bay leaves and sprinkle fresh parsley or thyme before serving.

Notes

  • Use lump or backfin crab meat for best texture and flavor.
  • Add crab meat at the very end to prevent it from becoming tough.
  • Start light with Old Bay seasoning and adjust to taste.
  • For deeper flavor, consider roasting carrots and celery before sautéing.
  • Fresh, homemade broth will enhance the soup’s flavor significantly.

Nutrition

Keywords: Maryland Crab Soup, Maryland crab recipe, seafood soup, crab meat soup, Chesapeake Bay soup, easy crab soup, comfort food

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/maryland-crab-soup/