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Authentic Maryland Crab Soup Recipe

Close-up of a bowl of rich Maryland crab soup topped with visible chunks of lump crab meat, potatoes, corn, and vegetables.
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Make a classic, savory Maryland Crab Soup featuring lump crab meat, fresh vegetables, and the iconic taste of Old Bay seasoning. This recipe delivers genuine Chesapeake Bay flavor for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 6 cups low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels
  • 1 medium potato, peeled and diced small
  • 2 tablespoons Old Bay Seasoning
  • 1 pound jumbo lump crab meat, picked over for shells
  • 1/4 cup dry sherry (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrot. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  2. Stir in the thyme, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Add the bay leaf, corn, and diced potato.
  4. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
  5. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Stir in the Old Bay Seasoning.
  6. Gently fold in the jumbo lump crab meat. If using, stir in the dry sherry. Heat through for about 3 minutes, being careful not to break up the crab meat too much.
  7. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot.

Notes

  • For the most authentic Chesapeake Bay flavor, use high-quality jumbo lump crab meat.
  • You can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth if you prefer a vegetarian base, though the final flavor profile will change slightly.
  • This soup tastes even better the next day after the flavors have fully developed.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbycarla.com/maryland-crab-soup-recipe-authentic-old-bay/