Crab Soup

There’s something truly comforting about a bowl of Crab Soup. I remember the first time I tried it at a quaint seaside restaurant, the waves crashing against the shore while I savored every spoonful. The rich flavor of the crab, mixed with fresh vegetables and a hint of seasoning, transported me back to my childhood summers spent at the beach. Ever since, I’ve made it a tradition to whip up my own version during the colder months, filling my home with a warm, savory aroma. On chilly evenings, when the wind howls outside, there’s nothing quite like curling up with a steaming bowl of Crab Soup, reminiscing about sun-soaked days and the soothing sounds of the ocean. It’s a dish that brings not only warmth but a sense of nostalgia.

Ingredients Overview for Crab Soup

When it comes to Crab Soup, the ingredients play a crucial role in delivering that signature taste. Each ingredient is carefully chosen for its ability to enhance the overall flavor profile, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. The key players include fresh crab, aromatic vegetables, and savory broth, working together to create a delightful experience in every bowl.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil: This is used for sautéing, adding a rich base flavor to your soup.
• 1 small yellow onion diced: Onions provide a sweet and savory depth, essential for the flavor base.
• 3/4 cup sliced carrots: Carrots add sweetness and a beautiful color to the soup.
• 1 cup diced celery: Celery contributes a refreshing crunch and a subtle earthiness.
• 2 oz tomato paste: This adds richness and a slight acidity, balancing the flavors.
• 2 cloves garlic minced: Garlic brings an aromatic punch, elevating the entire dish.
• 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning: A classic seafood seasoning that enhances the crab flavor.
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce: This adds umami and a hint of tang, rounding out the taste.
• 4 cups seafood broth: The base of the soup, providing essential flavor and depth.
• 1 cup water: Helps to achieve the desired soup consistency.
• 1 small potato peeled and cubed: Potatoes thicken the soup and add heartiness.
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces): Adds acidity and a lovely texture throughout.
• 1 1/4 cup frozen corn kernels: Sweet corn complements the crab perfectly.
• 1 pound cooked lump crab meat: The star of the dish, providing flavor and richness.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.

How to Make Crab Soup

Making Crab Soup is a straightforward process that will leave your kitchen smelling divine. Follow these steps to create a bowl of warmth and comfort. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this delicious soup comes together!

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Look for the oil to shimmer slightly, indicating it’s ready. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté them together until they soften, stirring occasionally, for about five to seven minutes. You want the vegetables to be tender and fragrant, setting the base for your soup.

2. Next, stir in tomato paste and the minced garlic. Cook for an additional two minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the garlic to release its oils and flavors. The mixture should have a beautiful aroma, with the paste darkening slightly as it cooks.

3. Add the Old Bay seasoning and Worcestershire sauce to the pot. Stir well to combine and let the spices heat up for a minute. You should notice an instant lift in the aroma, with the spices melding beautifully into the sautéed vegetables.

4. Pour in the seafood broth and water, bringing the mixture to a boil. Watch for bubbles forming, indicating it’s time to proceed. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer.

5. Add the cubed potato and the can of diced tomatoes. Stir to combine everything thoroughly. Allow the soup to simmer for about ten minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender.

6. After ten minutes, add the frozen corn kernels to the pot. This will add a sweet crunch to your soup. Continue to simmer for another twenty minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

7. When the soup is ready, gently fold in the cooked lump crab meat. Stir carefully, so you don’t break up the crab too much. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for an additional ten to twenty minutes to heat the crab through and adjust flavors as needed.

8. Once done, give the soup a final taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. The soup should be warm, aromatic, and inviting, ready to be served in bowls.

9. Serve the Crab Soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy with crusty bread or crackers for a delightful meal!

Pro Tips and Tweaks

Here are some great tips to ensure your Crab Soup comes out perfect every time. With a few tweaks, you can customize it to fit your liking!

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain texture.
• Freezing: This soup can be frozen for up to two months. Freeze in portions for easy reheating.
• Pairing: Serve with a fresh green salad or a side of crusty bread to complement the flavors.
• Variations: Feel free to experiment with additional veggies like bell peppers or peas for added texture and flavor.
• Enhancements: Add a splash of lemon juice just before serving for a refreshing twist that brightens up the soup.

What to Pair With Crab Soup

Pairing your Crab Soup with the right sides can enhance the meal experience. Here are some perfect accompaniments:

• Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping and soaking up the delicious broth.
• Green Salad: A light, crisp salad with vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the warm Crab Soup.
• Risotto: A creamy risotto can be a luxurious side, complementing the flavors of the soup.
• Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus provide a healthy balance to the meal.
• Occasions: This soup is perfect for cozy family dinners, weekend gatherings, or even a festive occasion.
• Seasonal Pairing: Enjoy it during winter months for a comforting meal that warms you from the inside out.

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, Crab Soup is a dish that encapsulates warmth, comfort, and the delightful taste of the sea. It’s a wonderful way to create cherished memories with family and friends around the dinner table. I encourage you to try making this soup at home; it’s sure to become a favorite in your household as it has in mine. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a heartfelt dish that brings everyone together!

Crab Soup

The ultimate comfort food, Crab Soup combines the sweetness of fresh seafood with hearty vegetables in a creamy broth. Perfect for a cozy night in or gathering with friends, this easy weeknight dinner will warm your heart and your home. Don’t miss out on this delicious, satisfying dish tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Soups

Cuisine: American

Calories: 310

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion diced
• 3/4 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup diced celery
• 2 oz tomato paste
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 4 cups seafood broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 small potato peeled and cubed
• 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 ounces
• 1 1/4 cup frozen corn kernels
• 1 pound cooked lump crab meat
• to taste Salt and pepper

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Saucepan
• Peeler
• Chef's Knife
• Cutting Board
• Wooden Spoon

Method

 

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Look for the oil to shimmer slightly, indicating it’s ready. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté them together until they soften, stirring occasionally, for about five to seven minutes. You want the vegetables to be tender and fragrant, setting the base for your soup.
2. Next, stir in tomato paste and the minced garlic. Cook for an additional two minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the garlic to release its oils and flavors. The mixture should have a beautiful aroma, with the paste darkening slightly as it cooks.
3. Add the Old Bay seasoning and Worcestershire sauce to the pot. Stir well to combine and let the spices heat up for a minute. You should notice an instant lift in the aroma, with the spices melding beautifully into the sautéed vegetables.
4. Pour in the seafood broth and water, bringing the mixture to a boil. Watch for bubbles forming, indicating it’s time to proceed. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer.
5. Add the cubed potato and the can of diced tomatoes. Stir to combine everything thoroughly. Allow the soup to simmer for about ten minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
6. After ten minutes, add the frozen corn kernels to the pot. This will add a sweet crunch to your soup. Continue to simmer for another twenty minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
7. When the soup is ready, gently fold in the cooked lump crab meat. Stir carefully, so you don’t break up the crab too much. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for an additional ten to twenty minutes to heat the crab through and adjust flavors as needed.
8. Once done, give the soup a final taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. The soup should be warm, aromatic, and inviting, ready to be served in bowls.
9. Serve the Crab Soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy with crusty bread or crackers for a delightful meal!

Notes

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain texture.
• Freezing: This soup can be frozen for up to two months. Freeze in portions for easy reheating.
• Pairing: Serve with a fresh green salad or a side of crusty bread to complement the flavors.
• Variations: Feel free to experiment with additional veggies like bell peppers or peas for added texture and flavor.
• Enhancements: Add a splash of lemon juice just before serving for a refreshing twist that brightens up the soup.

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Meet Jade Summer

Reliability is just as important as flavor. I am the one double checking measurements and testing temperatures. I cooked this recipe repeatedly, troubleshooting any tricky parts, so you can trust that it will turn out perfectly the very first time you try it.