Maryland Crab Soup
A hearty, tomato-based vegetable soup packed with tender lump crab meat and seasoned with classic Old Bay. This iconic Chesapeake Bay recipe is a savory, comforting meal perfect for any season.
For 6 servings
6 steps. 45 minutes total.
- 1
In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, heat the olive oil over medium heat
- a.Add the chopped onion and celery and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until they begin to soften and become translucent.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Pour in the beef broth, undrained diced tomatoes, diced potatoes, and diced carrots. Stir to combine and increase the heat to high, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. The soup is ready for the next step when the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, Old Bay seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, and black pepper. Continue to simmer, uncovered, for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the frozen vegetables to cook through.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Gently fold in the lump crab meat, being careful not to break up the delicate lumps. Allow the soup to heat through for 2-3 minutes. It is crucial not to let the soup boil after adding the crab, as this can make the meat tough and rubbery.
- 6
Remove the pot from the heat
- a.Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more Old Bay, salt, or pepper if needed. Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot with oyster crackers or crusty bread.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most authentic flavor, use high-quality, fresh lump crab meat from the Chesapeake Bay if possible. Gently pick through it to remove any cartilage or shell fragments.
- 2The beef broth is a traditional and key ingredient that gives the soup its characteristic savory depth. Do not substitute with chicken or vegetable broth if you want the classic taste.
- 3This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- 4Feel free to adjust the amount of Old Bay seasoning to your personal preference. Some Marylanders like it extra spicy!
- 5To save time, you can use a high-quality canned vegetable soup base and add the beef broth, Old Bay, and crab meat.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicier Version
Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce along with the Old Bay seasoning for an extra kick.
Fresh Vegetable MedleyFresh Vegetable Medley
Instead of frozen mixed vegetables, use 2 cups of fresh, chopped vegetables like green beans, corn cut from the cob, and lima beans. Add them with the potatoes and carrots in step 2.
Seafood Medley SoupSeafood Medley Soup
Enhance the soup by adding 1/2 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp and/or 1/2 pound of bay scallops along with the crab meat in the final step. Cook just until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Crab meat is a high-quality, low-fat protein source that is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and keeping you feeling full.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
The abundance of vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, and celery provides essential vitamins such as Vitamin C and A, as well as minerals and antioxidants that support overall health and immunity.
High in Fiber
With a variety of vegetables including potatoes, corn, peas, and beans, this soup is a good source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes gut health.
Frequently asked questions
A typical 1.5-cup serving of this Maryland Crab Soup contains approximately 250-300 calories, making it a relatively light yet satisfying meal.