Maryland Crab Vegetable Soup (Print Version)
Hearty Maryland crab simmered with potatoes, vegetables, and Old Bay for bold, comforting flavors.
# Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Seafood
01 -
1 pound lump crab meat
→ Vegetables
02 -
1 medium onion, finely diced
03 -
1 cup baby carrots, chopped into bite-sized pieces
04 -
1 celery stalk, thinly sliced
05 -
2 garlic cloves, minced
06 -
2 Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
07 -
1 cup frozen corn kernels
08 -
1/2 cup frozen green lima beans
09 -
12 ounces frozen cut green beans
→ Pantry
10 -
2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning, or to taste
11 -
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
12 -
4 cups beef broth, low sodium
13 -
2 cups water
14 -
28 ounces crushed tomatoes
15 -
2 bay leaves
16 -
3 tablespoons olive oil
17 -
1/2 lemon, juiced
18 -
Salt, to taste
19 -
Black pepper, to taste
→ Optional
20 -
Oyster crackers for serving
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 -
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add diced onion, chopped carrots, and sliced celery. Cook gently for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to soften and develop sweetness.
02 -
Stir in minced garlic and Old Bay seasoning. Cook for 45 seconds until fragrant, stirring frequently.
03 -
Pour in beef broth, water, crushed tomatoes, Russet potatoes, corn, lima beans, green beans, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and vegetables to tenderize.
04 -
Gently fold lump crab meat into the simmering soup. Continue to cook on low heat for an additional 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to fully cook potatoes and carrots.
05 -
Remove and discard bay leaves. Stir in fresh lemon juice. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, optionally garnished with oyster crackers.
# Extra Tips & Details:
01 -
Let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving to concentrate flavors.
02 -
Check crab meat carefully for shells prior to adding to maintain texture.
03 -
Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens and balances the richness—do not omit.