Imagine a steaming bowl of hearty soup, brimming with rich colors and tantalizing aromas. The soup is a vibrant shade of red-orange, thanks to the diced tomatoes and the warm hues of Old Bay seasoning that infuse it with a spicy aroma.
Floating atop the soup are tender, bright green pieces of freshly cooked green beans. They add a satisfying crunch and a burst of freshness to each spoonful.
Nestled within the bowl, you'll find generous chunks of lump crab meat, their delicate white and pink hues contrasting beautifully with the soup's warm tones. The crab meat is plump and juicy, promising a burst of sweet and briny flavor with every bite.
The steam rising from the bowl carries the tempting scent of Old Bay seasoning, a harmonious blend of spices that teases the taste buds and promises a flavorful experience. This soup is a comforting and indulgent creation, perfect for savoring on a cozy evening.
Old Bay seasoning is a flavorful spice blend that's often used to add a savory and slightly spicy kick to a variety of dishes, including seafood and soups. Here's an easy and delicious recipe for Old Bay seasoned crab soup:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon Homemade Creole 'Old Bay' seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup green beans, chopped into bite-sized pieces (fresh or frozen)
- 8 ounces lump crabmeat (canned or fresh)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
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Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook for about 2-3 minutes until they become translucent.
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Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
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Stir in the diced carrots and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.
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Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the pot. Stir well to combine.
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Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and season with Old Bay seasoning. Add the bay leaf. Give everything a good stir.
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Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
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Add the corn and green beans to the pot and continue to simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes until they are cooked through.
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Gently fold in the lump crabmeat and let it heat through for about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to break up the crabmeat too much.
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Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, black pepper, or additional Homemade Creole 'Old Bay' seasoning if desired.
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Remove the bay leaf from the soup, and discard it.
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Ladle the Old Bay seasoned crab soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if you like, and serve hot.
This soup is both comforting and flavorful, making it a great choice for a cozy meal, especially on chilly days. Enjoy!