Inspired by the vibrant, communal spirit of the classic Low Country Boil from South Carolina, this Hearty Low Country Boil Soup transforms a traditional feast into a comforting one-pot meal. It’s truly a delicious and satisfying dish, perfect for embracing the cozy soup season ahead!

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Hearty Low Country Boil Soup: A Flavorful One-Pot Comfort Meal

Hello everyone!

How was your recent Labor Day weekend? I sincerely hope you all had a fantastic time enjoying the last whispers of summer sun, perhaps with loved ones, making unforgettable memories. Our weekend was wonderfully relaxing, filled with good company. We enjoyed a delightful boat ride or two, savored some refreshing cocktails, and indulged in a bit of grilling – exactly what we needed to recharge after a busy stretch. It was truly spectacular!

As the vibrant energy of summer begins to fade, there’s a distinct shift in the air, signaling the arrival of autumn. For many, especially those with children, this time of year means getting back into the rhythm of school. Once September arrives, it seems everyone’s thoughts turn to all things pumpkin. While I appreciate a good pumpkin-spiced treat as much as the next person, my heart truly yearns for one thing when the leaves start to change: glorious, warming soups.

Embracing the Season: Why Soup is the Ultimate Fall Comfort

After a summer of perhaps a little too much indulgence, my husband Tom and I naturally gravitate towards hearty, wholesome soups for dinner. They offer a comforting yet lighter alternative to heavier meals. We often pair our soups with a crisp side salad, and perhaps, for Tom, a small piece of crusty bread (much to his playful dismay, with slightly less butter!). It’s a delightful way to nourish ourselves and transition into the cooler months.

When it comes to our favorite soup recipes, this Low Country Boil Soup consistently tops Tom’s list. He absolutely adores every single ingredient in it, and honestly, who wouldn’t? It’s a flavor explosion in every spoonful!

A Deeper Dive into the Flavors of Low Country Boil Soup

What makes this Low Country Boil Soup so utterly irresistible? It’s a symphony of textures and tastes, carefully balanced to evoke the essence of its classic Southern inspiration. This soup is generously packed with vibrant red and green bell peppers, sweet yellow onions, tender kernels of corn, and substantial chunks of perfectly cooked red potatoes. The protein powerhouses come in the form of spicy, smoky andouille sausage and succulent shrimp, which truly elevate the dish. Each spoonful offers a delightful medley of these robust flavors, creating a truly memorable eating experience.

Understanding the Heart of the Low Country Boil

For those unfamiliar, a traditional Low Country Boil, sometimes called a Frogmore Stew or Beaufort Stew, is a classic one-pot feast hailing from the coastal regions of South Carolina. It’s typically a medley of shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes, all boiled together with generous amounts of seafood seasoning, most notably Old Bay. This communal dish is often served by pouring it directly onto a newspaper-covered table, inviting everyone to dig in with their hands. Our soup captures the very spirit of this convivial meal, condensing its iconic flavors into a warm, comforting bowl that’s perfect for any occasion.

Essential Tips for Crafting Your Perfect Low Country Boil Soup

Cook’s Notes for Low Country Boil Soup Recipe:

Choosing Your Sausage: I prefer using authentic andouille sausage for its distinctive smoky and spicy profile, which is key to the Low Country flavor. However, don’t hesitate to substitute with another spicy smoked sausage like a quality kielbasa or even a mild chorizo if you have a favorite or can’t find andouille. Just ensure it’s a sausage that holds its flavor and texture well in a soup.

Mastering the Seasoning: Old Bay Seasoning is an absolute star in this recipe, delivering that unmistakable coastal flavor. I found that 2 1/2 teaspoons provides a perfectly balanced kick, but individual preferences vary. Feel free to adjust the amount to your taste – a little more for a bolder flavor, or a little less if you prefer it milder. Remember, you can always add more at the end, but you can’t take it away!

Serving Suggestions: While I love to serve this soup alongside warm, flaky buttermilk biscuits, any kind of crusty bread would be a fantastic accompaniment. A slice of cornbread also pairs wonderfully, soaking up all the rich broth. For a fresher note, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette makes for a complete and satisfying meal.

This soup is remarkably filling and truly eats like a meal on its own. It’s infused with a generous helping of Old Bay seasoning, a personal favorite, which provides that delicious, signature kick we all love. The base is a clear, flavorful chicken broth, keeping things wonderfully light without the need for any heavy cream. This allows the fresh, bold flavors of the seafood and vegetables to truly shine through, making it a wholesome and satisfying choice.

The beauty of this Low Country Boil Soup lies not only in its incredible flavor but also in its simplicity. It’s a one-pot wonder, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your evening. The combination of succulent shrimp, smoky sausage, tender potatoes, and crisp vegetables bathed in a perfectly seasoned broth makes for an incredibly comforting and balanced meal that the whole family will adore. It’s ideal for busy weeknights when you crave something wholesome and flavorful without a lot of fuss.

The Versatility of Ingredients: Making it Your Own

Beyond the primary ingredients, this soup offers fantastic versatility. If you’re a fan of more heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the broth. For an extra layer of flavor, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can brighten the entire dish. Don’t be afraid to experiment with other vegetables too! A handful of chopped celery added with the onions and peppers can contribute another dimension of flavor and texture. You could even introduce other seafood like crab meat or clams for an even more luxurious experience, just be sure to add them near the end of cooking to prevent overcooking.

Preparing this soup is a journey of building flavors. Starting with browning the sausage creates a foundational depth, followed by softening the aromatic vegetables. The potatoes cook slowly in the seasoned broth, absorbing all the wonderful spices, ensuring they are tender and full of taste. Finally, the quick-cooking shrimp and corn are added, making sure they are just cooked through to maintain their delicate texture and natural sweetness. This method guarantees every ingredient is cooked to perfection, contributing to a harmonious and delicious final product.

Low Country Boil Soup

Author: MaryAnn Dwyer

Servings: 6 servings

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Inspired by the classic Low Country South Carolina dish, this Low Country Boil Soup is a delicious one-pot meal that’s perfect for the soup season ahead!

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 30 mins

Total Time: 45 mins

Ingredients

3 Tbsp. butter
12 oz. Andouille sausage, sliced diagonally into 1/2 inch chunks
2 cups yellow onion, chopped
3/4 cup red pepper, ribs and seeds removed and chopped
3/4 cup green pepper, ribs and seeds removed and chopped
2 1/2 tsp. Old Bay Seasoning
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb. small red potatoes, cubed
6 cups chicken broth
1 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined
11 oz. can corn, drained
salt and pepper to taste
fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced andouille sausage and cook until it is lightly browned and has released some of its flavorful oils, about 5-7 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked sausage to a plate and set aside.
To the same Dutch oven, add the chopped onion, red pepper, and green pepper. Stir in one teaspoon of the Old Bay Seasoning. Cook the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they have softened. Add the minced garlic and continue to cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Stir in the cubed red potatoes, the chicken broth, and the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons of Old Bay Seasoning. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp and the drained canned corn. Stir gently to combine. Continue to cook for another 4 minutes, or until the shrimp are opaque and fully cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough.
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Ladle the hearty soup into individual bowls. If desired, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving. This soup is best enjoyed hot, perhaps with a side of buttermilk biscuits or crusty bread.

Nutrition

Cuisine: Southern

Course: Soup

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If you make this delicious Low Country Boil Soup recipe, I’d absolutely love to see your creation! Be sure to follow and tag @thebeachhousekitchen on Instagram or use the hashtag #thebeachhousekitchen. Your culinary masterpieces inspire us all!