Scandal Boggs ┃ Fashion, Beauty & Home

Embark on a culinary voyage to the coastal charm of Virginia with a recipe that encapsulates the state’s seafood heritage—Virginia Crab Soup. Bursting with the briny goodness of crab and a medley of fresh vegetables, this soup is not only a delight for the taste buds but also an affordable option that brings families together. Join us as we navigate the steps to create this heartwarming dish that mirrors the richness of Virginia’s culinary traditions.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound lump crab meat, picked for shells
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 4 cups seafood or chicken broth
• 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
• 1 cup green beans, chopped
• 1 cup potatoes, diced
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion, celery, carrots, and red bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
2. Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in minced garlic, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, and a bay leaf. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
3. Incorporate Diced Tomatoes: Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir well to combine.
4. Pour in Broth: Add seafood or chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Add Vegetables and Crab Meat: Add corn kernels, green beans, diced potatoes, and lump crab meat to the simmering soup. Gently stir to incorporate the ingredients.
6. Simmer Until Vegetables are Tender: Let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld.
7. Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf. Ladle the Virginia Crab Soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.

Virginia Crab Soup is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of coastal comfort and the abundance of Virginia’s seafood treasures. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening, as part of a family feast, or as a nod to Virginia’s coastal heritage, this soup brings forth the briny essence of crab in every spoonful. So, savor the richness, relish the medley of vegetables, and let each mouthful transport you to the shores of Virginia. Embrace the coastal comfort—a delicious and affordable taste of Virginia that captures the heart and soul of the Old Dominion.