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Authentic Charleston-Style She Crab Soup

A creamy bowl of rich she crab soup generously topped with large flakes of white and orange crab meat.
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Make this rich, creamy She Crab Soup at home. This Southern classic features lump crab meat and a hint of dry sherry for a velvety, restaurant-quality bisque.

Ingredients

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  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups half-and-half or whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground mace or nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup crab roe (optional, for authentic color and flavor)
  • 1 pound lump crab meat, picked over for shells
  • 1/4 cup dry sherry, plus more for serving

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and celery. Cook until soft, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  2. Whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Do not let the roux brown.
  3. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring until it thickens slightly.
  4. Reduce the heat to low. Gradually whisk in the half-and-half or milk. Heat gently until the soup is hot but do not allow it to boil.
  5. Stir in the Old Bay seasoning, white pepper, salt, and mace or nutmeg. If using, stir in the crab roe until it dissolves, adding color to the soup.
  6. Gently fold in the lump crab meat. Heat through for about 3 minutes.
  7. Remove the soup from the heat. Stir in the 1/4 cup of dry sherry. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
  8. Serve immediately in bowls. Offer extra dry sherry at the table for guests to add to their preference.

Notes

  • For a truly velvety texture, you can strain a portion of the soup base before adding the crab meat, then stir the crab back in.
  • If you skip the crab roe, add a small pinch of paprika for color.
  • This soup pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread. If you are considering meal planning for the week, this soup freezes well before adding the sherry.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://carlacooking.com/she-crab-soup-recipe-charleston-style/