She-crab soup

She-crab soup is a rich soup, similar to bisque, that originated in Charleston, South Carolina. It is a regional specialty and a staple in Southern U.S. cuisine. The soup is made from blue crab meat and crab roe (or eggs) and is often served with a dollop of sherry.

History

She-crab soup has its roots in the Scottish dish Partan Bree, a crab and rice soup. The soup was introduced to the Southern United States in the early 20th century. The name "She-crab" refers to the female crab, which is the primary ingredient in the soup. The use of the female crab, particularly the roe, gives the soup its distinctive flavor and rich color.

Ingredients

The main ingredients in She-crab soup are blue crab meat and crab roe. Other ingredients typically include heavy cream, sherry, onions, celery, and spices such as mace and bay leaves. Some variations of the recipe may also include rice or corn.

Preparation

To prepare She-crab soup, the crab meat and roe are first sautéed with onions and celery. The mixture is then simmered in a broth made from the crab shells. Heavy cream and sherry are added to the soup, along with the spices. The soup is typically served hot, with a dollop of sherry on top.

Variations

There are many variations of She-crab soup. Some recipes call for the addition of other seafood, such as shrimp or oysters. Others may use different types of crab, or substitute the crab roe with fish roe. Some versions of the soup may also be thickened with rice or cornmeal.

Serving

She-crab soup is typically served as a starter or a light main course. It is often accompanied by crusty bread or crackers. The soup is traditionally served with a dollop of sherry on top, which can be stirred into the soup before eating.

See Also

• Southern U.S. cuisine
• Charleston, South Carolina
• Blue crab
• Crab roe
• Sherry

References

• The New Southern Cookbook: Classic Family Recipes And Modern Twists on Old Favorites. B & H Publishing Group, 2018.
• Charleston Receipts. Junior League of Charleston, 1950.
• The Carolina Housewife. University of South Carolina Press, 1991.

External Links

• Recipe for She-crab soup on Food Network
• Recipe for She-crab soup on Southern Living