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She-Crab Soup

She-Crab Soup
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She-Crab Soup is a classic Southern creamy seafood soup featuring fresh crab meat and a rich, velvety broth enhanced with sherry and subtle spices. Perfect for cozy dinners or entertaining guests, this comforting dish balances richness with delicate seafood flavor and a hint of spice.

Ingredients

Scale

Seafood

  • 1 lb fresh lump crab meat

Dairy

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter

Vegetables

  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions

Liquids

  • 4 cups chicken or crab stock
  • 2 tbsp dry sherry

Thickening Agent

  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Seasonings

  • 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, adjust for spice)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Roux: Melt butter in a heavy pot over medium heat, then whisk in flour continuously until the mixture turns a light golden color, forming the thickening base for the soup.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Add finely chopped onions, celery, and green onions to the roux. Cook until vegetables are softened and fragrant, enhancing the savory depth of the soup.
  3. Add Stock and Simmer: Gradually whisk in chicken or crab stock, stirring constantly to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and allow it to thicken while flavors meld.
  4. Stir in Cream and Seasonings: Pour in the heavy cream and add Old Bay seasoning, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Reduce heat to low and stir until the soup is smooth and heated through.
  5. Finish with Crab and Sherry: Gently fold in the fresh crab meat to keep lumps intact. Add a splash of dry sherry for subtle aromatic complexity just before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh lump crab meat for the best flavor and texture; avoid imitation or canned crab when possible.
  • Add crab meat at the end of cooking to prevent it from becoming tough or rubbery.
  • Cook the roux just long enough to remove the raw flour taste, but avoid browning it too dark.
  • Taste the soup while cooking and adjust seasoning gradually to balance the savory, sweet, and spicy elements.
  • Opt for homemade or high-quality crab or chicken stock to elevate the soup’s depth of flavor.
  • For a dairy-free alternative, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream.
  • To reduce sodium, use low-sodium stock and reduce added salt.
  • Freeze soup without cream; add fresh cream when reheating to maintain texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: She-Crab Soup, Southern Soup, Crab Soup, Creamy Soup, Seafood Soup, Comfort Food

Find it online: https://withnora.com/she-crab-soup/