I am from the "Chesapeake Bay' area and I recommend frozen veggies (peas, carrots, and corn) add one fresh medium sized Vidalia onion chopped and two stalks of fresh chopped celery cook all vegetables until tender in 1 quart of water drain water (but save some of the stock to thin the soup if you like) and add tomatoes and crab meat last also there is no need to add salt the Old Bay takes care of that but add more for taste and a splash or two of hot sauce this won't be as quick but it will be more flavorful as well as nutritious :) also crushed tomatoes work well and if you use them plus one 14 oz. can of chopped tomatoes you won't need the tomato paste. Another optional secret add 2 tbsp butter. O.K. suit yourself about adding salt but if you must... make it sea salt.