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Bowl of Easy She Crab Soup — Charleston Style Bisque topped with crab meat and herbs

Easy She Crab Soup

A rich and cozy Southern bisque that highlights the sweet flavor of crab, perfect for chilly days.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Base Ingredients
  • 2 Tbsp Butter For a rich base
  • 1 medium Onion Finely chopped for gentle flavor
  • 1/2 Cup Celery Finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 Tbsp Flour To thicken the soup
Main Ingredients
  • 4 Cups Seafood stock or clam juice Can mix with water if needed
  • 1 Cup Heavy cream For that bisque feel
  • 1 Cup Crab meat Lump or claw works great
Seasonings
  • 1 Tbsp Old Bay seasoning Or a light seafood seasoning of choice
  • 1 Tbsp Dry sherry To finish the soup
  • to taste Salt and black pepper Adjust seasoning to preference
Optional Enhancements
  • 1 pinch Cayenne pepper If you like it spicy
  • 1 pinch Paprika Adds warmth
  • 1 squeeze Lemon For a refreshing touch

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Melt butter in a pot over medium heat.
  2. Add onion and celery (if using) and cook until soft and glossy, not browned.
  3. Sprinkle in flour and stir for about a minute to avoid a raw taste.
Cooking
  1. Slowly whisk in stock a little at a time until smooth.
  2. Let it gently simmer until it thickens slightly.
  3. Lower the heat and stir in cream.
  4. Add the seasonings and fold in crab gently so it stays tender.
  5. Finish with a splash of sherry right before serving.

Notes

Keep the soup at a gentle heat once cream is added to prevent curdling. This soup is best served with crackers or a salad.