DIAMONDBACK TERRAPIN STEW, CHESAPEAKE BAY STYLE

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Diamondback Terrapin Stew, Chesapeake Bay Style image

Turtle soup or stew is no longer a popular item on today's menus, but it once graced the tables of the rich and powerful. The diamondback terrapin was considered a delicacy to eat and hunted almost to extinction. Due to this, it is listed as an endangered species in Rhode Island; considered a threatened species in Massachusetts; is considered a "species of concern" in Georgia, Delaware, Louisiana, North Carolina, and Virginia, but it holds no federal status. If you cannot source turtle meat, feel free to substitute chicken. This historic recipe comes from the Southern chapter of the United States Regional Cookbook, Culinary Arts Institute of Chicago, 1947. Cooking time is approximate.

Provided by Molly53

Categories     Wild Game

Time 2h20m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

3 large terrapins (turtles)
6 eggs, hard-cooked
3 tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh is best)
1 tablespoon lemon rind, grated
1 onion, peeled and sliced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup cream
2 cups sherry wine
salt and pepper, to taste
3 cups chicken stock or 3 cups vegetable stock
hot milk, if necessary

Steps:

  • Drop live terrapin into boiling water and let stand for 5 minutes.
  • Remove from water; rub skin off feet, tail and head with a towel, drawing the head out with a skewer.
  • Clip off claws.
  • Scrub shell with boiling water; break apart with a cleaver or axe.
  • Remove meat and liver.
  • Discard heart, sandbag, entrails and gall bladder (taking caution not to break it as it's bitter).
  • Cut the liver in thin slices.
  • Take out eggs, remove film and set aside in cold water.
  • Mash yolks of eggs; add flour, nutmeg, lemon juice and rind.
  • Stir in 1 cup of soup stock.
  • Add onion, celery, terrapin and terrapin eggs and enough more stock to cover meat.
  • Cook in double boiler until meat falls from bones.
  • Remove bones, add worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, chopped egg whites, cream, sherry and milk (if necessary).
  • Heat thoroughly and serve with toast.

Kelly Richards
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This stew is a must-try for any seafood lover. The diamondback terrapin is cooked perfectly, and the broth is rich and flavorful. I love the combination of flavors and textures.


omowunmi felicia
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This stew is a great way to warm up on a cold night. The diamondback terrapin is cooked perfectly, and the broth is rich and flavorful. I love serving it with a side of bread or rice.


cherinet chombe
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This stew is a delicious and easy-to-make seafood dish. The diamondback terrapin is cooked perfectly, and the broth is flavorful and rich. I love serving it with a side of vegetables.


Md Sahina
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This stew is a great way to use up leftover diamondback terrapin. The meat is tender and flavorful, and the broth is rich and flavorful. I love serving it with a side of crusty bread.


Meghla megh
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I've been cooking this stew for years, and it's always a hit. The diamondback terrapin is so tender and flavorful, and the broth is rich and flavorful. I love serving it with a side of cornbread or rice.


siyabonga mvemve
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This stew is a must-try for any seafood lover. The diamondback terrapin is cooked perfectly, and the broth is rich and flavorful. I love the combination of flavors and textures. I will definitely be making this again.


Usama Ghumman
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This was my first time cooking diamondback terrapin, and I was really impressed. The meat was tender and flavorful, and the stew was rich and flavorful. I will definitely be making this again.


April Hartman
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I'm not a huge fan of seafood, but I really enjoyed this stew. The diamondback terrapin was cooked perfectly, and the broth was flavorful and rich. I served it with a side of rice, and it was a great meal.


Ronald muwonge
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This stew is amazing! The diamondback terrapin is so tender and flavorful, and the broth is rich and flavorful. I love the combination of flavors and textures. I will definitely be making this again.


Theo Marais
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I've been wanting to try this recipe for a while, and I'm so glad I finally did. It was absolutely delicious! The diamondback terrapin was cooked perfectly, and the stew was rich and flavorful. I served it with a side of cornbread, and it was the per


deepen bhattarai
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This was a fantastic recipe! I cooked it for a dinner party and everyone raved about it. The diamondback terrapin was cooked perfectly, and the stew was flavorful and rich. I will definitely be making this again!