She Crab Soup
A creamy soup made with crab meat and sherry. A southern specialty.
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
She Crab Soup is believed to have originated in Charleston, South Carolina, in the early 20th century. It's said to have been created by William Deas, a butler of Scottish descent who worked for a wealthy Charleston family. He supposedly invented the soup as a way to impress President William Howard Taft during a visit.
She Crab Soup is a culinary symbol of Charleston and the South Carolina Lowcountry, representing refined Southern cuisine and hospitality.
Charleston Staple
She Crab Soup is a featured dish in many Charleston restaurants, often presented as a high-end appetizer or a luxurious lunch option. It is strongly associated with the city's culinary identity.
Special Occasions
The soup is often served during special occasions and celebrations, reflecting its status as a delicacy.
Culinary Heritage
It represents the Southern tradition of elevating humble ingredients into sophisticated and flavorful dishes, and an embrace of local seafood.
She Crab Soup is known for its rich, creamy texture and delicate, sweet crab flavor.
The dominant flavor is the sweetness of the crab meat, amplified by the richness of cream and butter. Sherry adds a subtle nutty, slightly sweet aroma and depth of flavor. A hint of Old Bay seasoning or other spices provides a subtle savory counterpoint to the sweetness, preventing the soup from becoming overly cloying. The roe (crab eggs), if present, adds a distinct briny, oceanic flavor and contributes to the overall richness and complexity.
Use Fresh Crab Meat
The quality of the crab meat is crucial. Fresh, high-quality crab meat is essential for the best flavor. Backfin or lump crab meat is often preferred.
Don't Overcook the Crab
Avoid overcooking the crab meat, as it can become tough and lose its delicate flavor. Add it towards the end of the cooking process.
Balance the Flavors
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. The sherry should complement the crab flavor, not overpower it. Adjust the amount of cream and spice to achieve the desired balance.
The Roe Factor
Genuine 'She' Crab Soup uses the roe (eggs) of the female crab. This adds a unique flavor and color and helps thicken the soup.
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