Description
Coastal flavors dance in this luxurious Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque, blending rich cream and delicate seafood. Silky textures and maritime essence invite you to savor an elegant culinary journey through ocean-inspired comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood:
- 0.5 lb (226 grams) Cooked Shrimp (peeled, deveined, and chopped)
- 0.5 lb (226 grams) Cooked Crab Meat (shells removed)
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) Onion (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) Celery (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) Carrot (finely chopped)
- 2 Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional, for spice)
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
- Fresh Herbs (parsley, chives, or dill for garnish)
Liquid and Thickening Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) All-Purpose Flour
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
- 4 cups (960 ml) Seafood or Chicken Broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) Heavy Cream
- 2 tablespoons Sherry (optional)
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, gently sautéing celery, carrot, and onion until they become soft and translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
- Incorporate minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional minute, releasing its aromatic essence.
- Introduce tomato paste, paprika, and cayenne pepper, allowing the spices to caramelize and develop intense flavors for 1-2 minutes.
- Dust vegetables with flour, stirring thoroughly to create a smooth base, then gradually whisk in broth to prevent any lumpy texture.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for 10-12 minutes, periodically stirring until the bisque reaches a rich, velvety consistency. Optional: splash in sherry for enhanced depth.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and gently fold in heavy cream, creating a luxurious foundation.
- Delicately fold chopped shrimp and crab meat into the bisque, heating for approximately 5 minutes until seafood is perfectly warmed through.
- Calibrate seasoning with salt and black pepper, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.
- Elegantly garnish with fresh herbs and serve piping hot alongside crusty bread for a complete culinary experience.
Notes
- Choose fresh, high-quality seafood for the most vibrant flavor and best texture in your bisque.
- Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing cayenne pepper to match personal heat preferences.
- Substitute cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version of the bisque.
- Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as an alternative thickening agent for those with wheat sensitivities.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 196 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg