Description
A rich and velvety seafood bisque featuring sweet crab meat and tender shrimp, delivering elegant flavors in just five easy steps.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound fresh lump crab meat
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brandy or cognac (optional)
- 4 cups seafood stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the seafood base by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and carrot; sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Create the roux by stirring in the tomato paste and cooking for 2 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes. If using, add the brandy to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits.
- Add the white wine and allow it to reduce by half, about 2-3 minutes. Pour in the seafood stock, bay leaves, thyme, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 20 minutes.
- Incorporate the shrimp and cook just until they turn pink, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the lump crab meat and heavy cream.
- Finish by warming through, adding lemon juice, and stirring in most of the parsley. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately.
Notes
Best served with crusty bread and a crisp salad. For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half or evaporated skim milk.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
Keywords: seafood bisque, crab soup, shrimp bisque, creamy soup, elegant recipes