Imagine a soup that dances on the edge of culinary innovation, where tangy green tomatoes meet the luxurious richness of crab and the salty punch of country ham. This isn't just another soup recipe—it's a gastronomic adventure that transforms humble ingredients into a sophisticated dish that will make your taste buds sing with excitement. Perfect for adventurous home cooks looking to surprise their dinner guests with a unique and memorable meal!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups of diced green tomatoes
- 1 cup of chopped onion
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- 1 cup of crab meat
- 1/2 cup of diced country ham
- 4 cups of vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all the ingredients. Dice the green tomatoes, chop the onion, and mince the garlic. Set them aside in separate bowls for easy access during cooking.
- In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the pot. Stir well and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
- Next, add the diced green tomatoes to the pot. Stir to combine and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their juices.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, stirring to mix all the ingredients thoroughly. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
- While the soup is simmering, prepare the country ham. Dice the ham into small pieces and set aside.
- After the soup has simmered, add the diced country ham and crab meat to the pot. Stir gently to combine, and let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed, keeping in mind that the country ham may add some saltiness.
- Once the soup is ready, remove it from the heat. For a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency, or leave it chunky for a more rustic feel.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional crab meat or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your Cool n Spicy Green Tomato Soup with Crab and Country Ham!
Tips
- Choose firm, bright green tomatoes for the best texture and flavor profile.
- Don't rush the sautéing process—allowing onions and garlic to develop deep flavors is crucial.
- For an extra smooth soup, consider straining after blending for a silky finish.
- Fresh crab meat makes a significant difference, so splurge if you can.
- Adjust red pepper flakes based on your spice tolerance—start conservative and add more if needed.
- A quick garnish of fresh herbs like chives or parsley can elevate the presentation dramatically.
- This soup pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or a light sourdough bread.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 55mg
