Ingredient That Makes She Crab Soup Orange Crossword Clue
She crab soup is a Southern classic that has been enjoyed by many for generations. It is a creamy and rich soup that is often served as an appetizer in formal dinners or as a comfort food in casual gatherings. One of the key features of she crab soup is its beautiful orange color. Have you ever wondered what makes she crab soup orange? In this article, we will unveil the secret ingredient behind this classic dish.
The Origin of She Crab Soup
Before we reveal the secret ingredient, let us first take a brief look at the history of she crab soup. She crab soup is said to have originated in Charleston, South Carolina in the early 1900s. It was created by the African American cooks who worked in the big houses of the Charleston elite. The soup was made with the leftover crabs that were caught by the Gullah people, who were descendants of West African slaves. The cooks would catch female crabs, extract their roe or eggs, and use them to make the soup.
Over time, she crab soup became a popular dish in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina and Georgia. It was often served at formal dinners and was considered a delicacy. Today, she crab soup remains a beloved dish in the South and can be found in many restaurants across the region.
The Secret Ingredient Behind She Crab Soup's Orange Color
So, what makes she crab soup orange? The answer is simple - crab roe. Crab roe is the eggs or ovary of a female crab, and it is responsible for the beautiful orange color of she crab soup. The roe adds a rich and luxurious flavor to the soup, making it a favorite among seafood lovers.
Traditionally, she crab soup is made with the roe of female blue crabs. However, due to overfishing and environmental concerns, many restaurants now use alternative sources of crab roe, such as those from snow crabs and king crabs. Some restaurants may also use food coloring to enhance the orange color of the soup, but this is not a traditional practice.
Other Ingredients Found in She Crab Soup
Aside from crab roe, there are several other ingredients that are commonly found in she crab soup. These include:
- Crabmeat - Usually the meat from male crabs is used in the soup.
- Heavy cream - Adds richness and creaminess to the soup.
- Butter - Used to sauté the vegetables and add flavor to the soup.
- Flour - Used to make a roux, which thickens the soup.
- Sherry - Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the soup.
- Seasonings - Often include salt, pepper, Old Bay seasoning, thyme, and bay leaves.
How to Make She Crab Soup
Now that you know the secret ingredient behind she crab soup's orange color, you may be wondering how to make this classic dish at home. Here is a simple recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 3 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup dry sherry
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 pound lump crabmeat
- 1/2 cup crab roe
Instructions:
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and celery and sauté until softened.
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, making sure there are no lumps.
- Add the sherry, salt, pepper, and Old Bay seasoning. Stir to combine.
- Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the crabmeat and crab roe to the soup and stir gently.
- Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, just until heated through.
- Remove from heat and serve hot.
In Conclusion
She crab soup is a classic Southern dish that is loved by many. Its unique orange color is due to the addition of crab roe, which adds a luxurious flavor to the soup. While it is traditionally made with the roe of female blue crabs, many restaurants now use alternative sources of crab roe. If you want to try making she crab soup at home, be sure to use fresh and high-quality ingredients. With a little care and attention, you can recreate this delicious and iconic dish in your own kitchen.
