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Indulgent Crab Soup Recipe: Your New Coastal Comfort Classic Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 142 reviews

Indulge in this rich and comforting coastal classic—an indulgent crab soup that combines tender lump crab meat with a creamy, flavorful broth seasoned to perfection with Old Bay and paprika. This luscious soup is perfect for a cozy dinner, delivering the sweet essence of the sea with every spoonful.

Ingredients

Scale

Sauté Base

  • 2 tablespoons Butter (Adds richness and flavor.)
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (Helps sauté vegetables.)
  • 1 chopped Onion (Provides sweetness.)
  • 2 stalks Celery (Contributes fresh flavor.)
  • 1 medium Carrot (Adds natural sweetness.)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (Infuses warm flavor.)

Soup Base

  • 1 tablespoon Flour (Thickens the soup.)
  • 4 cups Seafood Stock or Chicken Broth (Forms the savory base.)
  • 1 cup Half-and-Half or Heavy Cream (Creates a rich texture.)

Seasoning and Finish

  • 1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning (Enhances seafood flavor.)
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika (Adds depth.)
  • to taste Salt (Essential for seasoning.)
  • to taste Black Pepper (Essential for seasoning.)
  • 1 pound Lump Crab Meat (Provides sweetness and texture.)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (Adds freshness.)
  • 1 whole Lemon Wedges (Enhances flavor.)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Melt the butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrot, cooking for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
  2. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until it becomes aromatic, taking care not to burn it.
  3. Thicken the Base: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook the flour and form a roux, which will thicken the soup.
  4. Add Stock: Gradually whisk in the seafood stock (or chicken broth) to the pot, ensuring a smooth mixture without lumps. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to meld flavors and thicken.
  5. Incorporate Cream and Seasoning: Stir in the half-and-half or heavy cream, followed by the Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to develop a rich, creamy texture and balanced seasoning.
  6. Add Crab Meat: Gently fold in the lump crab meat, warming it through carefully without breaking the delicate lumps to maintain texture and freshness.
  7. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the finished soup into warm bowls and garnish each serving with fresh parsley and lemon wedges to brighten the flavors before enjoying.

Notes

  • Use lump crab meat for the best texture and flavor; canned or imitation crab are not recommended.
  • If seafood stock is not available, chicken broth is a suitable alternative but will alter the flavor slightly.
  • Adjust Old Bay seasoning and salt carefully after adding crab meat, as seafood can be naturally salty.
  • The soup can be reheated gently on the stovetop; avoid boiling to keep the cream from curdling.
  • Serve with crusty bread or oyster crackers for a complete meal.

Keywords: crab soup, creamy crab soup, seafood soup, coastal recipe, Old Bay seasoning, lump crab meat

Find it online: https://annakocht.com/indulgent-crab-soup-recipe-your-new-coastal-comfort-classic-recipe/