During the cold days of winter and early days of spring, it’s always nice to have a bowl of hot soup to counteract the cold weather. St. Patrick’s day falls during this time, and the Irish tend to use their local ingredients – in this case potatoes, crab, and Irish Whiskey - to make delicious soups. I tasted Crab chowder at a pub in Dublin, and it was delicious, so I worked on a version that tasted like that soup I remember. Of course you’ll want to serve this Irish Crab Chowder with Bread Machine Irish Brown Bread or Irish Soda Bread spread with plenty of good Irish butter.

While St. Patrick’s Day has, through the ages, been a religious holiday, modern times have changed it somewhat, and some of the traditions aren’t observed like they used to be. However, nothing will change the fact that Irish food should be served on that day. This soup is perfect for serving on St. Patrick’s Day, and will warm you through.

12 Servings

2 tablespoons Irish butter
1 cup chopped onion
2 pounds potatoes, (Idaho potatoes work well), peeled and diced
1/2 teaspoon salt
12 cups water

3 cups Basic Cream Soup Mix

1 pound crabmeat, picked over
juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup Irish Whiskey


3 green onions(s), including tops

1. Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven or soup pot.
2. Add the onions and sauté until softened.
3. Add the potatoes and stir to coat with the butter. Stir in the water and salt, bring to a boil, and cook about 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
4. Whisk in the cream soup mix, and continue whisking until the mixture thickens and boils.
5. Turn down the heat.
6. Mix the crabmeat with the lemon juice and Irish whisky; stir it into the soup; bring to a boil, turn town to a simmer, and let cook 5-10 minutes.
7. Stir in the green onions and serve.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 313 Calories from Fat 98
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 31% Protein 22% Carb. 44%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 11 g
Saturated Fat 7 g
Cholesterol 50 mg
Sodium 841 mg
Total Carbohydrate 34 g
Dietary Fiber 1 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 17 g

Vitamin A 2% Vitamin C 29% Calcium 0% Iron 7%