Classic Baltimore Crab Soup

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Classic Baltimore Crab Soup.

1. Step 1

   To start your delicious soup, fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring it to a rolling boil.

2. Step 2

   Once boiling, toss in the sliced carrots and let them cook until they’re tender, which should take about five minutes.

3. Step 3

   After that, drain the carrots and set them aside for later.

4. Step 4

   In a spacious stockpot, combine the ham bone, barley, a pinch of salt, and a dash of black pepper with four cups of water.

5. Step 5

   Let this simmer over medium heat for 30 to 45 minutes, allowing those flavors to meld beautifully.

6. Step 6

   Next, add the shredded cabbage and diced tomatoes to the pot, continuing to simmer for another 15 minutes.

7. Step 7

   Now it’s time to stir in the cubed potatoes and those lovely cooked carrots.

8. Step 8

   Keep simmering until the potatoes are tender, which should take about 20 to 30 minutes.

9. Step 9

   As the soup bubbles away, add one cup of water along with the drained corn, green beans, lima beans, and peas.

10. Step 10

    Let this simmer for 20 minutes, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.

11. Step 11

    While the soup is simmering, prepare the crabs by cleaning them—remove the lungs and mouth, discarding those parts, but don’t forget to set aside the yellowish-brown tomalley, which adds a rich flavor.

12. Step 12

    Break the crabs in half and gently add them to the soup along with your favorite seafood seasoning.

13. Step 13

    Let everything simmer together for another 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.

14. Step 14

    In a separate skillet, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until it’s perfectly browned, which should take about 10 minutes.

15. Step 15

    Once done, drain the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate, but keep that flavorful grease in the skillet.

16. Step 16

    Lower the heat and stir the reserved tomalley into the bacon grease until it reaches a gravy-like consistency.

17. Step 17

    This rich mixture is a secret ingredient that you’ll want to stir into the soup along with the remaining cup of water.

18. Step 18

    Let the soup continue to simmer for 45 minutes, then gently fold in the drained lump crabmeat.

19. Step 19

    Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or seafood seasoning if needed.

20. Step 20

    Allow the soup to simmer for an additional hour and 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep everything well combined.

21. Step 21

    When you’re ready to serve, reduce the heat to low and let the flavors deepen even further.

22. Step 22

    Enjoy this hearty, comforting soup that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends!.