Introduction: Indulge in the timeless flavors of Maryland with our acclaimed Cream of Crab Soup recipe. Perfectly balanced with sweet crab meat, aromatic spices, and rich cream, this dish promises to delight your taste buds year-round. Whether served as a comforting appetizer or a satisfying main course, this recipe is a culinary masterpiece that elevates any dining experience.
Ingredients:
1/2 sweet onion, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
2 tablespoons salted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups light cream
1 cup milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
1/4 teaspoon thyme
1 lb crab meat
Additional Old Bay seasoning (optional)
Instructions:
Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, approximately 2-3 minutes.
Create Roux: Sprinkle flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring continuously to form a roux. Allow the mixture to cook for an additional minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Incorporate Creamy Base: Gradually pour in the light cream and milk, stirring constantly to ensure a smooth consistency. Follow by adding the heavy cream, blending all ingredients together seamlessly.
Season to Perfection: Introduce the salt, pepper, Old Bay seasoning, and thyme into the pot, infusing the soup with layers of savory flavor. Stir well to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the mixture.
Simmer and Infuse: Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, allowing the soup to meld and intensify in flavor for 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the bottom from sticking and to ensure thorough incorporation of the ingredients.
Adjust Seasoning: Sample the soup and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. The delicate balance of flavors can be fine-tuned at this stage to achieve the perfect harmony.
Incorporate Crab Meat: Once the soup has cooled slightly, gently fold in the succulent crab meat, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the velvety broth.
Heat and Serve: Reheat the soup until warmed through, taking care not to overcook the crab meat. Serve piping hot, optionally garnished with a sprinkle of additional Old Bay seasoning for an extra burst of flavor.
Additional Tips:
For optimal texture, use lump crab meat for its tender chunks and sweet flavor.
Serve the soup alongside freshly baked bread or crispy crackers for a delightful contrast in texture.
Experiment with garnishes such as chopped chives or a drizzle of crema for added visual appeal and complexity.
To enhance the richness of the soup, consider substituting half-and-half for the light cream.
Nutrition Information: (Per Serving – 1 cup)
Calories: 350 kcal
Total Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 130mg
Sodium: 650mg
Total Carbohydrates: 10g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 20g
Conclusion: Elevate your dining experience with our exquisite Maryland Cream of Crab Soup. With its luxurious blend of flavors and creamy texture, this recipe is a testament to the culinary legacy of Maryland cuisine. Whether enjoyed as a comforting meal on a chilly evening or as a show-stopping appetizer at your next gathering, this dish is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who taste it.
Maryland Cream of Crab Soup
