Crab Combination Soup

Crab Combination Soup Recipe from Arabia

Region / culture: Arabia | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Crab Combination Soup is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the delicate taste of crab meat with a variety of other ingredients to create a hearty and satisfying soup. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or for entertaining guests.

History

Crab Combination Soup has its origins in Chinese cuisine, where crab meat is a popular ingredient in many dishes. This soup is a combination of traditional Chinese flavors and ingredients, such as dried mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and ginger, all cooked in a savory chicken stock base.

Ingredients

6 cups (1.5 liters) chicken stock
1 tsp oil
1 egg
8 shallots
30 g (1 oz) dried mushrooms
0.5 130 g can bamboo shoots
0.5 tsp grated ginger
155 g can crab meat
125 g (4 oz) scallops
3 tbsp corn flour
3 tbsp water
2 chicken stock cubes
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp dry sherry
2 egg whites
2 tbsp extra water
salt, pepper

How to prepare

Cover the mushrooms with boiling water and let them stand for 30 minutes. Drain the mushrooms, remove the stalks, and thinly slice them.
Chop the shallots and cut the bamboo shoots into fine strips.
Wash the scallops and use a sharp knife to make a slit along the back to remove the dark vein. Slice the scallops thinly. Drain and flake the crab.
Lightly beat the egg with a fork. Heat oil in a small frying pan, add the egg, and swirl it in the pan to coat the sides and base evenly. Loosen the edges of the pancake with a spatula, turn it, and cook the other side. Remove from the pan, roll it up, and slice it into thin strips.
Put the chicken stock into a large pan and bring it to a boil. Add the mushrooms, bamboo shoots, shallots, ginger, crab meat, scallops, salt, and pepper. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for two minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the combined water, crumbled stock cubes, corn flour, soy sauce, and dry sherry. Return the pan to heat and stir until the soup comes to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for two minutes.
Beat the egg whites and extra water lightly, then add them to the soup in a thin stream. Stir well.

Variations

Add diced tofu or shredded chicken for additional protein.
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for a vegetarian version of the soup.
Experiment with different vegetables, such as snow peas or water chestnuts, for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to slice the scallops thinly to ensure they cook quickly and evenly in the soup.

- Rolling up the cooked egg pancake before slicing it into strips adds a decorative touch to the finished dish.

- Adjust the seasoning of the soup to taste by adding more soy sauce, salt, or pepper as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Crab Combination Soup hot with a side of steamed rice or crusty bread for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to simmer the soup gently to allow the flavors to meld together without overcooking the delicate seafood.

- Stir the soup frequently to prevent the corn flour from clumping and to ensure a smooth consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions

If fresh crab meat is not available, canned crab meat can be used as a substitute.

- Substitute fresh ginger for ground ginger if needed.

Make Ahead Tips

Crab Combination Soup can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish each bowl of soup with a drizzle of sesame oil and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a decorative touch. Serve the soup in individual bowls with chopsticks for an authentic dining experience.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Crab Combination Soup with a light and crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to complement the delicate flavors of the seafood.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soup in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of Crab Combination Soup contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

This recipe contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

Each serving of Crab Combination Soup contains about 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

With crab meat, scallops, and egg whites, this soup is a good source of protein, providing around 15 grams per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Crab meat is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, zinc, and selenium. The addition of mushrooms and bamboo shoots also adds a variety of nutrients to the soup.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish (crab) and eggs, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Overall, Crab Combination Soup is a nutritious and balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Crab Combination Soup is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the delicate taste of crab meat with a variety of other ingredients to create a hearty and nutritious soup. With a mix of seafood, vegetables, and savory seasonings, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished visiting a local farmer's market in search of fresh ingredients for my next culinary adventure. As I was browsing through the stalls, I came across a small, unassuming booth run by an elderly woman with a twinkle in her eye. She was selling an array of homemade preserves and sauces, but what caught my attention was a handwritten recipe card for Crab Combination Soup.

Intrigued, I struck up a conversation with the woman and asked her about the origins of the recipe. She smiled knowingly and told me that it had been passed down through generations in her family, originating from her great-grandmother who hailed from a fishing village on the coast. She explained that the soup was a beloved family tradition, made with the freshest crabs caught by the men in the village and a medley of secret spices and herbs.

I was captivated by the story behind the recipe and begged the woman to share it with me. With a mischievous grin, she handed me the recipe card and told me to cherish it, as it was a precious gift from her family to mine. I thanked her profusely and promised to make the soup with love and care.

As soon as I returned home, I gathered all the necessary ingredients and set to work in my kitchen. The recipe was simple but required precision and attention to detail. I started by sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger in a large pot until fragrant, then added in the fresh crab meat and a homemade seafood broth made with shrimp shells and fish bones. The aroma that wafted through my kitchen was intoxicating, a symphony of flavors that promised a delicious meal ahead.

I let the soup simmer on the stove for hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and develop into a rich and savory broth. As I tasted the soup, I was transported back to the fishing village on the coast, imagining the salty sea breeze and the sound of seagulls overhead. It was a magical experience, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my repertoire.

Over the years, I have made Crab Combination Soup countless times, each batch better than the last as I honed my skills and experimented with different variations. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition that was gifted to me by the elderly woman at the farmer's market. Every time I make the soup, I am reminded of her and the connection we shared through our love of cooking and preserving family recipes.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, preparing a fresh batch of Crab Combination Soup for my grandchildren, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for all the recipes I have collected over the years. Each one tells a story, a tale of love, tradition, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with the ones we hold dear. And as I ladle out steaming bowls of soup for my family to enjoy, I know that this recipe will continue to be a cherished part of our culinary heritage for generations to come.