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Authentic Lowcountry She-Crab Soup with Sherry Finish

Close-up of a bowl of creamy, rich she crab soup generously topped with white and orange lump crab meat.
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Make this rich, creamy, and velvety She-Crab Soup, a classic Southern seafood dish. This recipe captures the Charleston style and includes the traditional dry sherry finish for gourmet flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
  • 2 cups seafood or chicken broth
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 pound lump crab meat, picked over for shells
  • 1/4 cup crab roe (optional, for color and flavor)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons dry sherry

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes until the roux is pale gold. Do not let it brown.
  3. Add the onion, celery, and bell pepper to the roux. Cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  4. Slowly whisk in the seafood or chicken broth until smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring until it thickens slightly.
  5. Reduce the heat to low. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and whole milk. Heat gently, but do not allow the soup to boil.
  6. Stir in the lump crab meat, crab roe (if using), Old Bay seasoning, and white pepper. Heat through for about 5 minutes, stirring carefully to keep the crab meat intact.
  7. Taste the soup and add salt as needed.
  8. Remove the soup from the heat. Stir in the dry sherry just before serving.
  9. Serve immediately in bowls.

Notes

  • For the most authentic flavor and color, use crab roe. If you cannot find it, omit it.
  • Use a good quality dry sherry; this ingredient is essential for the classic taste.
  • If you prefer a thicker soup, allow the roux to cook slightly longer before adding the liquid.
  • This soup is best made and served the same day.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishsymphony.com/she-crab-soup-recipe-velvety-southern-classic/