Maryland Crab Soup

Dive into the heart of the Chesapeake Bay with this classic Maryland Crab Soup, a soul-warming dish brimming with fresh, flavorful ingredients. Packed with tender lump crab meat, hearty vegetables like red potatoes, green beans, and lima beans, and seasoned to perfection with iconic Old Bay seasoning, this soup delivers a brilliant blend of coastal charm and comfort food. Simmered in a rich tomato and stock base, each spoonful offers layers of savory depth and a touch of spice. Perfect as a main course or a starter, this easy-to-prepare soup is ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or whenever you’re craving a taste of Maryland’s culinary heritage. Serve it piping hot with crusty bread or oyster crackers, and let the vibrant flavors transport you straight to the shores of the Bay.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 pieces celery stalks, diced
• 2 pieces carrots, peeled and diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 leaf bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
• 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes (canned, with juice)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 6 cups chicken or seafood stock
• 2 medium red potatoes, diced
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 cup lima beans (fresh or frozen)
• 1 pound crab meat (preferably lump or backfin)
• 2 tablespoons parsley, freshly chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat.

Step 2

Sauté the diced onion, celery, and carrots for 5-7 minutes, or until they begin to soften.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic, bay leaf, and Old Bay seasoning, and cook for 1 more minute, stirring constantly.

Step 4

Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato paste, and chicken or seafood stock. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 5

Add the diced potatoes, green beans, corn, and lima beans to the pot. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Step 6

Gently fold in the crab meat to avoid breaking it apart. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes to heat through.

Step 7

Remove the bay leaf and season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 8

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Step 9

Serve hot with crackers or crusty bread on the side for a comforting Maryland classic.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	3487.4 grams (3487.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1570

Total Fat 38.90g	50%
Saturated Fat 5.80g	29%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 240mg	80%
Sodium 11434mg	497%
Total Carbohydrate 190.80g	69%
Dietary Fiber 40.60g	145%
Total Sugars 49.50g
Protein 125.00g	250%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 765mg	59%
Iron 19mg	103%
Potassium 6533mg	139%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 21.7%

Protein: 31.0%

Carbs: 47.3%