This Seafood Soup with Crab and Shrimp is the ultimate indulgence for seafood lovers, offering a rich, flavorful bowl filled with shrimp, crab, and aromatic seasonings. Perfect as a cozy dinner or a stunning starter for any special occasion, this soup brings the best of the ocean to your table.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz lump crab meat
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups seafood stock (or chicken stock)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, minced garlic, diced celery, and carrots. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant.
2. Add Tomatoes and Seasoning:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if desired), salt, and black pepper. Let this cook for another 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Deglaze and Simmer:
- Pour in the white wine (if using) and simmer for 2 minutes. Add the seafood stock and bring to a gentle boil.
4. Cook the Shrimp and Crab:
- Lower the heat and add the shrimp and crab meat to the pot. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked through.
5. Finish with Cream:
- Stir in the heavy cream and allow the soup to simmer for an additional 3–5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.
Tips for the Best Seafood Soup:
- Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for the freshest shrimp and crab meat.
- Stock Boost: You can enhance the flavor of the seafood stock by simmering shrimp or crab shells beforehand.
- Custom Add-Ins: Feel free to add clams, mussels, or chunks of fish to diversify the seafood in the soup.
This Seafood Soup with Crab and Shrimp combines the creamy richness of the broth with fresh, tender seafood, making it an irresistible dish for any occasion. Perfect for warming up on a cool day or impressing guests with its incredible flavor!
Enjoy!