Sea Captain's She Crab Soup Recipe
Seafood is a staple food in coastal regions and it's no wonder that the Sea Captain's She Crab Soup is a popular dish in coastal areas of the US. This rich, creamy soup is made with fresh crab meat, heavy cream, and a variety of spices that make the perfect combination of flavor and texture.
The History of She Crab Soup
She Crab Soup is a traditional dish that originated in Charleston, South Carolina in the early 1900s. It was originally made with female crabs, which are known for their delicate flavor and the roe they carry. However, she crabs are now protected in many states, so the soup is made using male crabs or regular crab meat.
The soup is often served in formal dining settings and is considered a luxurious dish due to the ingredients and preparation method. It has become a staple in many coastal restaurants and is enjoyed by seafood lovers around the world.
Ingredients for Sea Captain's She Crab Soup
If you're looking to make Sea Captain's She Crab Soup at home, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb crab meat (jumbo lump crab meat is the best option)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
- ½ tsp thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How to Make Sea Captain's She Crab Soup
Now that you have all the ingredients, let's get started with making the soup:
- In a large pot, melt the butter and sauté the onions and celery until they are soft and translucent.
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to combine well. Cook for an additional minute.
- Slowly add the heavy cream and milk to the pot while stirring continuously. Keep stirring until the mixture becomes thick and creamy.
- Add the crab meat, Old Bay seasoning, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir to combine all the ingredients well.
- Cook the soup on medium heat for around 30 minutes. Be sure to continue stirring regularly to avoid any lumps.
- Remove the bay leaf from the soup and then use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a blender to puree it.
- Return the soup to the pot and adjust the seasoning as per your taste.
- Serve the soup hot with a side of crusty bread or crackers.
The Perfect Pairings for She Crab Soup
She Crab Soup is a hearty and filling dish, but it can also be paired with a variety of accompaniments for an elevated dining experience. Here are some perfect pairings for She Crab Soup:
- Crusty bread or crackers - These are the classic accompaniments for She Crab Soup that will give you the perfect balance of chewy and crunchy textures.
- White wine - A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay is ideal for sipping along with the soup to cut through the richness of the dish.
- Salad - A fresh and light salad made with greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette is a great option to balance the richness of the soup.
- Seafood entrée - She Crab Soup is a great starter that pairs well with a seafood entrée, such as grilled fish or shrimp scampi.
Conclusion
Sea Captain's She Crab Soup is a delicious and luxurious dish that you can now make at home using this recipe. With its rich flavor, creamy texture, and perfect blend of spices, it's sure to delight your taste buds and impress your dinner guests. So, give this recipe a try and enjoy a taste of coastal cuisine in the comfort of your own home.
