Classic Baltimore Crab Soup

Baltimore Crab Soup is a traditional Maryland dish that perfectly captures the flavors of the Chesapeake Bay. This hearty soup is a celebration of the region’s abundant blue crab and fresh vegetables. It’s a comforting, savory soup that’s full of bold flavors from Old Bay seasoning, tender crab meat, and a variety of vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and tomatoes. This soup is perfect for a chilly day or as a starter for a seafood feast, bringing a taste of the East Coast right to your table.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb of blue crab meat (lump or backfin)
• 2 quarts of beef broth
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 large carrots, sliced
• 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 cups of green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup of corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup of lima beans (fresh or frozen)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables: In a large soup pot, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Build the Soup Base: Pour in the beef broth and bring it to a boil. Add the carrots, potatoes, green beans, corn, lima beans, and diced tomatoes. Stir in the Old Bay seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, parsley, and bay leaves.
3. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Add the Crab: Gently stir in the crab meat and lemon juice, being careful not to break up the crab lumps too much. Allow the soup to cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, so the flavors meld together.
5. Final Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or Old Bay as desired.
6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or oyster crackers.

Enjoy your Classic Baltimore Crab Soup!