She-crab soup
Invented by Charleston, South Carolina's own Lars Anderson in the 1930s, she-crab soup is a luxurious brew that hits all the right notes. A hearty combination of crab, cream, and warm spices make for a comforting and incomparable feast.
At its core, she-crab soup is made from the delicate meat of female blue crabs--hence the "she" in the name. These succulent crustaceans are rich in flavor and provide a velvety texture to the soup. The base is then fortified with butter, flour, heavy cream, mace, onion, garlic, and peppery cayenne.
This delectable dish has come to be an item of national renown. Enjoyed in many parts of the world, it is best experienced in its birthplace of South Carolina. At a good old-fashioned Lowcountry boil or a scrumptious fine-dining experience, you're sure to find she-crab soup with pride.
The unique taste of she-crab soup is one that lingers on the tongue and tantalizes the senses. With its lush flavor profile, it's no wonder why this palatable preparation has gained such widespread fame. So, next time you're in the South and seeking something delicious, don't forget the she-crab soup. You won't be sorry.
She-crab soup recipes
Amazing She-crab soup recipes sourced from the web.
The origin of She-crab soup
Ah, She-Crab Soup. It's a regional specialty that is beloved by many and has a pleasingly long history. According to some accounts, the soup is said to have been created in Charleston, South Carolina during the late 19th century by a group of sailors from the Royal Navy. The sailors, having already sampled the delicious crab taken from the local waters, decided to combine their newfound delight with cream, sherry, and other flavorful ingredients.
Some say that the soup was named for its appearance—the delicate texture and rich flavor resembling that of a female crab. Others claim that the name comes from an old story about a fisherman who, while out fishing, caught a female crab and was so impressed he offered it up as a dish to be prepared by the women of the village.
Regardless, the unique taste of She-Crab Soup has been pleasing palates ever since. The ready supply of fresh local seafood combined with the cream, sherry, vegetable base, and spices gives this soup a savory and delightful flavor. No two She-Crab Soups are the same, but all share the same deliciousness.
Over time, She-Crab Soup has become a Southern classic, appearing at meals and gatherings for special occasions. Its creamy and mouthwatering flavor are sure to bring a smile to anyone's face. To experience this delectable soup for yourself, simply find a local restaurant that offers it. You will not be disappointed!
Types of She-crab soup
Ah, She-crab soup—one of the most luxurious and elegant dishes of the Southern United States. But what is She-crab soup? Where did it originate? And what are the different variations of this classic dish? Let's explore.
It's said that She-crab soup was first created in the coastal city of Charleston, South Carolina around 1885. This uniquely flavorful soup is made with freshly caught female crab (thus the name), cream, sherry, butter, mace, sea salt, cayenne pepper, onions, and just a hint of Worcestershire sauce. Rich and creamy yet surprisingly light, it's a favorite among seafood lovers.
But what about the different variations? Of course, there are regional differences in ingredients and preparation methods, but the most popular types of She-crab soup usually fall into one of three categories:
The first is traditional She-crab soup. This authentic recipe has been around for over a century, and is still made according to the original recipe today. Perfectly balanced and full of flavor, this restaurant-standard version of She-crab soup is definitely the classic.
The second type is Low Country Boil She-crab soup. This variation takes the classic recipe and kicks it up a notch with the addition of spicy and savory ingredients like Old Bay seasoning, celery, garlic, and red pepper flakes. It's a much heartier and spicier version of the original—great for a cooler Fall or Winter day.
Finally, there's Charleston She-crab soup. This milder and creamier soup is made with slightly less cream and more butter, and often includes the addition of lemon juice for a touch of acidity. A great option for those who prefer a lighter, more subtle version of this tasty soup.
No matter which version you choose, She-crab soup is sure to delight your taste buds. So grab a bowl and enjoy this decadent Southern culinary tradition.