Diamondback Terrapin Stew Chesapeake Bay Style

Dive into the rich culinary heritage of the Chesapeake Bay with this luxurious Diamondback Terrapin Stew, a timeless recipe that captures the essence of coastal comfort food. This creamy stew features tender, flavorful terrapin meat simmered with a medley of finely chopped vegetables, a touch of dry sherry, and the signature kick of Old Bay seasoning, creating a harmony of bold and savory flavors. A golden roux and a splash of heavy cream lend velvety texture, while fresh parsley and optional lemon wedges add a bright finishing touch. Perfect for elegant gatherings or a hearty dinner, this traditional Chesapeake Bay-style terrapin stew is sure to impress. Serve warm with crusty bread for the ultimate seaside-inspired indulgence!

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:90 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups Diamondback terrapin meat
• 4 tablespoons Butter
• 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 1 medium Yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 stalks Celery, finely chopped
• 1 large Carrot, finely chopped
• 4 cups Chicken or vegetable stock
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 1 cup Dry sherry
• 1 leaf Bay leaf
• 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoons Ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 0 Lemon wedges (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Prepare the terrapin meat by cleaning it thoroughly and boiling it until tender. Remove the meat from the shell and chop it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously to form a roux. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the roux is lightly golden.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrot to the pot. Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, or until softened and aromatic.

Step 4

Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable stock while stirring to incorporate it with the roux. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

Step 5

Add the bay leaf, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine the seasonings with the soup base.

Step 6

Add the cooked terrapin meat to the pot. Cover and let the stew simmer for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 7

Slowly stir in the heavy cream and dry sherry. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes, but do not let the mixture boil after adding the cream.

Step 8

Remove the bay leaf and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.

Step 9

Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve with lemon wedges on the side, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2296.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2301.3

Total Fat 140.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 76.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.4g
Cholesterol 681.1mg	0%
Sodium 7030.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 55.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 7.5g	0%
Total Sugars 13.4g
Protein 123.6g	0%

Vitamin D 9.0IU	0%
Calcium 275.8mg	0%
Iron 10.5mg	0%
Potassium 2463.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value 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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 63.9%

Protein: 25.0%

Carbs: 11.1%