Maryland Crab Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that brings the flavors of the Chesapeake Bay to your kitchen. Perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, this hearty soup is packed with fresh ingredients and tasty crab meat. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for something cozy, this recipe is sure to please!
Why Make This Recipe
Why should you try this Maryland Crab Soup? First off, it’s super easy to make! With simple ingredients and cooking steps, you can have a delightful meal on the table in no time. Plus, it’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. Everyone will love the rich, savory flavors, and you’ll enjoy the warm feeling of serving something homemade and special.
How to Make Maryland Crab Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 2 small carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1½ teaspoons dry mustard
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups homemade or store-bought vegetable or seafood stock (or even water)
- 1 pound red potatoes, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
- 1 (14-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand
- 1 (14-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 4 ounces green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 pound crab meat (preferably ½ pound crab claw meat and ½ pound jumbo lump crab meat)
- 1 cup frozen corn, defrosted, or 1 ear corn, shucked, kernels removed
- 1 cup frozen peas, defrosted
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Directions:
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Heat the olive oil and butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the diced celery, carrots, and onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and the carrots start to soften, about 10 minutes.
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Add the Old Bay seasoning, Italian seasoning, dry mustard, and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Then stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for another 2 minutes.
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Pour in the stock and add the red potatoes, crushed whole tomatoes with their juices, and the tomato sauce. Scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are almost soft, about 10 minutes.
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Add the green beans and let them cook for 10 to 12 minutes, until they’re tender.
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Finally, stir in the crab meat, corn, and peas. Cook until everything is heated through, around 5 more minutes. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste, and serve!
How to Serve Maryland Crab Soup
Serve the Maryland Crab Soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs if you like. It pairs well with crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal. You can also offer a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of Old Bay on top for an extra burst of flavor!
How to Store Maryland Crab Soup
If you have leftovers (if you’re lucky!), let the soup cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before reheating!
Tips to Make Maryland Crab Soup
- Fresh crab meat is best, but you can use canned or frozen if you’re short on time.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or corn for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as you go. Everyone’s taste buds are different!
Variation
If you want a creamier soup, you can add a splash of heavy cream or some coconut milk towards the end of cooking. This adds richness and smoothness to the broth.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of seafood in this soup?
Yes! You can mix in shrimp or scallops if you prefer or if you have them on hand.
2. What can I serve with Maryland Crab Soup?
Crusty bread or a light salad works great! A simple green salad complement the soup nicely.
3. How spicy is this soup?
The spice level depends on the Old Bay seasoning you use. If you like it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne or some hot sauce!
