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Authentic Maryland Crab Soup with Jumbo Lump Crab Meat and Old Bay Seasoning

A close-up of a bowl of Maryland crab soup, featuring large chunks of crab meat, potatoes, carrots, and corn, topped with paprika.
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Make classic Maryland Crab Soup using fresh ingredients, a savory tomato base, and generous Old Bay seasoning. This reliable recipe delivers authentic Chesapeake Bay flavor for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

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  • 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 1 cup sliced green beans (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 large potato, peeled and diced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 tablespoons Old Bay Seasoning, plus more for garnish
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 pound jumbo lump crab meat, picked over for shells
  • 1/4 cup dry sherry (optional)

Instructions

  1. Combine the broth, crushed tomatoes, onion, celery, carrots, green beans, corn, potato, thyme, bay leaf, 2 tablespoons Old Bay Seasoning, pepper, salt, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup in a large stockpot.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
  3. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
  4. Remove and discard the bay leaf.
  5. Stir in the dry sherry, if using.
  6. Gently fold in the jumbo lump crab meat. Heat through for about 5 minutes; do not boil after adding the crab meat.
  7. Taste the soup and adjust salt and Old Bay seasoning as needed.
  8. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish each serving with an extra sprinkle of Old Bay Seasoning.

Notes

  • For the most authentic Chesapeake Bay flavor, use high-quality jumbo lump crab meat.
  • If you prefer a thicker soup, mash a few of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot before adding the crab meat.
  • This soup tastes even better the next day after the flavors have fully developed.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://alchemychef.com/maryland-crab-soup-recipe-authentic-flavor/