Recipe: Old-Fashioned Crab Soup 🦀
Description: This delightful Old-Fashioned Crab Soup is a cherished family recipe, passed down through generations, with its origins traced back to a mysterious magazine clipping of yore. While the source remains a mystery, the flavors are anything but elusive, offering a comforting warmth and a tantalizing blend of savory and spicy notes. Perfect for cozy family gatherings or as a soul-soothing meal on chilly evenings, this soup is a true crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress.
Preparation Time: 1 hour
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 2 hours
Yield: 8 quarts
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 8 cups | Water |
| 8 slices | Bacon |
| 1 | Carrot, diced |
| 6 stalks | Celery, chopped |
| 2 | Onions, finely diced |
| 1 | Green bell pepper, diced |
| 1 1/2 cups | Cabbage, shredded |
| 1 1/2 cups | Potatoes, cubed |
| 1 cup | Frozen baby lima beans |
| 1/4 cup | Barley |
| 1 cup | Tomato puree |
| 1 cup | English peas |
| 1 – 2 cups | Whole kernel corn |
| 2 cups | Fresh crabmeat |
| To taste | Hot sauce |
| To taste | Salt and pepper |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Base: In a large pot, combine water and bacon. Bring to a vigorous boil over medium-high heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors of the bacon to infuse into the water, creating a rich broth.
-
Add Vegetables: Stir in the diced carrot, chopped celery, finely diced onions, diced green bell pepper, shredded cabbage, cubed potatoes, frozen baby lima beans, and barley. Return the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for approximately 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully.
-
Incorporate Peas and Corn: Once the vegetables are tender, add the English peas and whole kernel corn to the pot. Season with salt, pepper, and any additional seasoning of your choice. Allow the soup to return to a gentle boil.
-
Introduce the Crabmeat: Gently fold in the fresh crabmeat, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the soup. Let the soup simmer until the crabmeat is heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
-
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. For an extra kick of heat, consider adding hot sauce, as per your taste buds’ desire.
-
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the piping hot Old-Fashioned Crab Soup into bowls, garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve alongside crusty bread or crackers for a hearty and satisfying meal.
-
Storage: This soup freezes exceptionally well, making it an excellent option for meal prep. Simply allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop until heated through.
Indulge in the nostalgia of bygone days with each spoonful of this comforting Old-Fashioned Crab Soup, a culinary masterpiece that brings warmth to the soul and joy to the palate. Whether enjoyed as a family meal or shared with friends, this timeless recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite for years to come.
