Indulge in Creole Crab Meat Soup: A Delightful Culinary Experience
If you find yourself yearning for a dish that encapsulates the spirit of New Orleans, look no further than this Creole Crab Meat Soup, a comforting and rich concoction that brings together the vibrant flavors of the bayou. This recipe is adapted from the New York Times, and it has garnered acclaim for its wonderful blend of herbs, the sweetness of crab meat, and the zesty brightness of lemon. It takes just under an hour to prepare and cook, making it a perfect choice for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for entertaining guests.
Recipe Overview
| Recipe Name | Creole Crab Meat Soup |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time | 50 minutes |
| Total Time | 55 minutes |
| Category | Stocks |
| Servings | 4 (can be adjusted) |
| Description | A rich and flavorful crab soup with fresh herbs and zesty lemon. Perfect for a comforting meal. |
| Keywords | Crab, Creole, < 60 Mins, Stove Top |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lemons | 2 |
| Onion | 1, medium-sized |
| Butter | 3 tablespoons |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| Italian tomatoes | 4 cups, canned with juice |
| Bay leaf | 1 |
| Fresh parsley | 4 sprigs |
| Dried marjoram | 1 tablespoon |
| Fresh mint | 1 tablespoon |
| Fresh tarragon | 1 tablespoon |
| Lump crabmeat | 1 pound |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Cayenne pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 301.9 |
| Total Fat | 12.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 111.3 mg |
| Sodium | 866 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 17.9 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.3 g |
| Sugars | 5.9 g |
| Protein | 33.5 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Lemon: Start by using a vegetable peeler to remove the zest from one lemon in a long strip. This will add a fragrant element to your soup. Set the zest aside for later use. After zesting, juice the peeled lemon and reserve 1½ tablespoons of the juice for the soup. Thinly slice the remaining lemon into 4 to 6 rounds for garnish; keep these aside as well.
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Sauté the Aromatics: In a deep, large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and foamy, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they are soft and fragrant, which should take about 4 minutes. The goal is to infuse the butter with the sweetness of the onion and the pungency of the garlic without browning them.
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Add the Tomatoes and Stock: Stir in the canned Italian tomatoes along with their juice, then add the stock of your choice. Raise the heat to medium-high and bring this mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Incorporate the Herbs: After bringing the mixture to a simmer, introduce the bay leaf along with the reserved lemon zest, parsley, marjoram, and tarragon. This is where the magic happens, as the aromatic herbs will steep into the soup, imparting their delightful flavors. Let this simmer, partly covered, for about 30 to 45 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more pronounced the flavors will become.
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Finish the Soup: After the initial simmering time, gently fold in the lump crabmeat, allowing it to warm through and integrate into the soup. Continue simmering for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken slightly and the crab to absorb the flavors.
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Season to Taste: Just before serving, season your soup with the salt and cayenne pepper. If you prefer a bit more acidity, feel free to add additional lemon juice according to your taste. This is also the time to discard the bay leaf and any herb sprigs left in the pot.
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Garnish and Serve: For a fresh touch, add an extra tablespoon of chopped fresh mint right at the end of cooking. This will provide a burst of color and flavor. When ready to serve, ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a lemon slice for an elegant presentation. This finishing touch not only enhances the visual appeal but also allows your guests to add a bit more zest if they choose.
Enjoy this exquisite Creole Crab Meat Soup as a delightful appetizer or a main course paired with a crisp green salad and crusty bread for dipping. The combination of sweet lump crab, aromatic herbs, and zesty lemon creates a dish that is not only comforting but also celebratory, evoking the vibrant spirit of Creole cuisine.
Tips for the Perfect Creole Crab Meat Soup
- Quality Crab Meat: For the best flavor, use fresh lump crabmeat if possible. However, high-quality canned crab meat can also work in a pinch.
- Herb Bundles: Consider tying your fresh herbs in a piece of cheesecloth for easy removal after cooking, making for a simpler cleanup while still infusing the soup with rich flavors.
- Adjust Spiciness: If you prefer a milder soup, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it entirely.
Indulge in this hearty soup, perfect for impressing guests or simply enjoying on a chilly evening, and let each spoonful transport you to the lively streets of New Orleans. Enjoy your culinary adventure with this Creole Crab Meat Soup, where every bite is a celebration of flavor!
