Maryland Crab Soup

Jordanian Maryland Crab Soup Recipe with Beef and Barley

Region / culture: Jordan | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Maryland Crab Soup is a classic dish that highlights the delicious flavors of crab meat and mixed vegetables. This hearty soup is perfect for a cozy meal on a chilly day.

History

Maryland Crab Soup has been a staple in the Mid-Atlantic region for generations. It is a beloved dish that showcases the fresh seafood that the area is known for.

Ingredients

2 qt (1.89 L) cold water
0.75 cup diced celery
0.75 cup barley
5 packets powdered beef bouillon
1 lb (454 g) backfin crab meat
1 lb (454 g) frozen mixed vegetables
1 (20 oz (567 g)) can stewed tomatoes
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp seafood seasoning (or to taste)

How to prepare

In a large pot, combine water, celery, barley, and bouillon. Bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to simmer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes.
Add crab meat, mixed vegetables, tomatoes, oil, and seasoning.
Bring to a second boil, then reduce the heat to simmer and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Variations

Add Old Bay seasoning for a classic Maryland flavor.
Use fresh vegetables instead of frozen for a different texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use backfin meat for the best flavor and texture in this soup.

- Adjust the seafood seasoning to your taste preferences.

- Stir the soup occasionally while simmering to ensure all the flavors meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Maryland Crab Soup with crusty bread or oyster crackers for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering, boiling

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth instead of beef bouillon for a vegetarian option.

- Substitute shrimp or lobster for the crab meat.

Make Ahead Tips

This soup can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Maryland Crab Soup with a crisp white wine or a light beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 200 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 25g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 5g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 15g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Iron.

Alergens

Contains shellfish (crab)

Summary

Maryland Crab Soup is a nutritious and delicious meal option, packed with protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Maryland Crab Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the taste of the Mid-Atlantic with this delicious recipe.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Maryland Crab Soup. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small fishing village along the Chesapeake Bay. My grandmother, a wonderful cook with a wealth of culinary knowledge, had just returned from a trip to Maryland and brought back this recipe as a gift for me.

As she handed me the worn piece of paper with the handwritten instructions, she told me stories of her time in Maryland, where she had learned the recipe from a local chef who had been kind enough to share it with her. The aroma of the soup filled the kitchen as she recounted how she had watched him prepare it, taking note of each ingredient and technique with meticulous detail.

I was captivated by the idea of creating a soup that captured the essence of the sea, with its sweet crab meat, tangy tomatoes, and savory broth. I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself, to bring a taste of Maryland back home with me.

With my grandmother’s guidance, I set out to make the soup for the first time. I started by sautéing onions and garlic in a large pot, filling the kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma. Then, I added diced tomatoes, a splash of white wine, and a generous amount of Old Bay seasoning, the secret ingredient that gave the soup its signature flavor.

Next came the star of the show – the fresh crab meat. I carefully picked through the shells, making sure to remove any stray bits of shell or cartilage. I added the crab meat to the pot, along with a few cups of chicken broth and a handful of vegetables – carrots, celery, and potatoes.

As the soup simmered on the stove, the flavors mingling and melding together, I knew that I had created something truly special. The soup was rich and flavorful, with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Every spoonful tasted like a bite of the sea, transporting me back to the shores of Maryland with each mouthful.

Over the years, I have made this soup countless times, tweaking and adjusting the recipe to suit my tastes and those of my family. Each time I make it, I think of my grandmother and the day she shared this recipe with me, passing down a piece of culinary history from one generation to the next.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, stirring a pot of Maryland Crab Soup on the stove, I can’t help but feel grateful for the knowledge and traditions that have been passed down to me. In every spoonful of soup, I taste the memories of my grandmother, the flavors of Maryland, and the joy of cooking for those I love.

And as I sit down to enjoy a bowl of soup with my family, I know that this recipe will continue to be a cherished part of our culinary repertoire for years to come. For me, Maryland Crab Soup is more than just a dish – it is a connection to the past, a celebration of tradition, and a reminder of the power of food to bring us together.