Maryland crab soup is a beloved regional specialty, especially popular in the Chesapeake Bay area. This tomato-based soup is loaded with vegetables and sweet crab meat, delivering a quintessential local flavor. But what exactly goes into an authentic Maryland crab soup recipe? Let’s break it down ingredient by ingredient.
The Base
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Beef broth – Most recipes call for beef broth as the soup base. Some versions use chicken or vegetable broth instead. Beef broth adds a rich, savory flavor.
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Water – The broth is diluted with water, usually in a 1 1 ratio with the broth This helps create a lighter, more brothy soup texture.
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Tomatoes – Crushed or diced tomatoes add tangy flavor, color, and texture Tomatoes are a must for Maryland crab soup
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Worcestershire sauce – Just a splash of Worcestershire lends complexity from its blend of sweet, salty, and umami flavors
The Vegetables
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Onion – Diced yellow onion provides aromatic flavor.
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Celery – Common choices are diced or sliced celery ribs and leaves.
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Carrots – Sliced or diced carrots add sweetness.
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Potatoes – Cubed white or red potatoes contribute heartiness and creaminess when softened.
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Lima beans – The hallmark bean in crab soup, limas turn deliciously creamy when cooked.
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Corn – Maryland crab soup isn’t complete without sweet corn kernels.
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Green beans – Fresh or frozen cut green beans are frequently added.
Seasonings
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Old Bay – This iconic Baltimore spice blend seasons the broth. 1-2 tablespoons is typical.
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Bay leaves – These impart earthy seasoning and are removed before serving.
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Parsley – Fresh parsley leaves lend bright herbal flavor, especially as a garnish.
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Salt and pepper – Both season the soup to taste. Some recipes also add celery salt.
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Mustard – Spicy prepared mustard boosts tang.
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Garlic – Minced garlic cloves provide a sharp aroma.
The Star
- Crab meat – Sweet chunks of blue crab meat make this soup special. A mix of lump and backfin meat is ideal. Hand-picked, fresh crab is best.
Tie It All Together
Here is a basic recipe outline for how an authentic Maryland crab soup comes together:
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In a large pot, sauté the onion, celery, and carrots in oil or butter until slightly softened.
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Stir in seasonings like Old Bay, garlic, bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and any other dried herbs or spices. Cook for 1 minute more.
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Add the broth, water, tomatoes, potatoes, lima beans, corn, and green beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer.
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Cook uncovered until the potatoes are fork-tender, 15-30 minutes.
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Add the crab meat and simmer just until heated through, another 5 minutes.
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Adjust seasoning to taste. Discard bay leaves before serving.
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Garnish bowls of piping hot soup with fresh parsley. Accompany with oyster crackers or crusty bread.
With this formula, you can easily recreate an authentic-tasting Maryland specialty. Regional preferences vary, so feel free to play around with veggies and seasonings until you perfect your own family version. Just be sure to keep the Old Bay, tomatoes, potatoes, lima beans, corn, and plenty of crab meat for a soup that captures true Maryland spirit.
Maryland crab soup is rich in history and flavor. Its recipe has evolved over the centuries but still remains focused on the same key ingredients. Mastering an authentic version allows you to savor a taste of Chesapeake Bay tradition no matter where you live. Give it a try and enjoy a steaming bowl of Maryland comfort and nostalgia.
“If you can get your hands on some blue crabs and a can of Old Bay you’ll see why this regional soup deserves attention.”
For the brief time I lived in Baltimore, one thing that struck me most was how a city can be so fiercely passionate about a little crustacean, namely the blue crab. For restaurants in Baltimore and much of Maryland, its pretty much a prerequisite to have at least one if not several crab dishes on the menu.
Blue or Maryland crab as its known down there shows up in all forms: creamy mayonnaisey crab dip, crab cakes, and as a topping for everything you can imagine from filet mignon to potato skins. And if there is soup to be served, chances are better than good that its going to be Maryland Crab.
Its been years since Ive lived in Baltimore but memories of this spicy, crab-heavy tomato-based soup came flooding back to me when I came across this recipe in The Best Soups in the World by Clifford A. Wright.
There are two uniquely Chesapeake components of this soup: plenty of blue crab meat, painstakingly hand-picked but worth every second of effort, and the copious use of Old Bay seasoning.
Old Bay is something of a miracle seasoning. You can sprinkle it on just about anything and the deliciousness factor goes up tenfold. This yellow can of mystery spices can do wonders on corn on the cob, deviled eggs, bloody marys, and French fries, but Old Bay is an absolute must for anything crab-related, especially Maryland Crab Soup.
“Aside from the picking of the crab meat, this soup is fairly easy to assemble.”
Aside from the picking of the crab meat, this soup is fairly easy to assemble. The whole, live crabs are thrown into a pot of water and canned tomatoes make a simple stock for the soup. After the crabs have infused the broth with all of the goodness from the shells, they are taken out, cooled, then picked clean of their meat. (No need to fear if you are a crab-picking novice, weve included a step-by-step guide after the recipe.) The rest of the vegetables are placed in the crab broth along with a bit of bacon (why not?) which is cooked briefly and the soup is finished with the picked crab meat and claw meat.
If you can get your hands on some blue crabs and a can of Old Bay youll see why this regional soup deserves attention outside the Chesapeake Bay area.
Authentic Maryland Crab Soup (From a Maryland Native!)
FAQ
Does Maryland crab soup have potatoes?
Potatoes: Many recipes use potatoes, too. I always add them because they help settle the spicy kick from the Old Bay Seasoning. Worcestershire Sauce: Some recipes include this, some don’t. Without question, this goes into my pot because it delivers big flavor that’s altogether sweet, savory, and salty.
Is Maryland crab soup healthy?
Yes, Maryland crab soup can be a healthy option, especially when prepared with a focus on fresh vegetables and lean crab meat.
What is the difference between Maryland crab soup and cream of crab soup?
Maryland crab soup and cream of crab soup are two distinct Maryland-style soups, both featuring crab meat but differing significantly in their base and flavor profiles.
What liquor is in she-crab soup?
Add 1/4 cup sherry. Season with dill, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Cover and simmer until soup has reduced by 1/3, about 30 minutes.