Crab Stew Recipe

Prepare broth

In a measuring cup combine 6 cups seafood or chicken broth, 1 cup water and 1 cup dry white wine. Whisk in 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce and 1 teaspoon hot sauce until smooth. Keep nearby.

Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. When butter melts and begins to foam, add 1 cup diced yellow onion, 1 cup diced celery and 1 cup diced carrot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened, about 6–8 minutes.

Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning, 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Cook 1 minute to bloom the spices.

Add 1 cup diced red bell pepper and 2 cups diced red potatoes to the pot. Stir to combine with aromatics and let the potatoes toast for 1–2 minutes.

Carefully pour in the prepared broth mixture. Increase heat to bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover partially and cook until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, about 12–15 minutes.

Add 1 cup corn kernels during the last 5 minutes of simmering so they remain tender-crisp.

Once potatoes are tender, reduce heat to low. Remove the bay leaves from the pot and discard them.

If using bay scallops, stir in 8 ounces bay scallops now and simmer gently 2–3 minutes until just opaque.

Add 1 pound fresh lump crab meat to the pot. Gently fold the crab into the stew, taking care not to break up large lumps. Heat through 2–3 minutes — crab should be warmed but not overcooked.

Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 tablespoon unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper or hot sauce if desired.

Remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley.

Ladle stew into bowls. Garnish with 1 tablespoon chopped chives if using, and serve with crusty bread slices. Each bowl can be finished with an extra squeeze of lemon if desired.