Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
1/4 cup carrot, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups seafood or chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 pound cooked crab meat, shells removed
1/2 pound cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
2 tablespoons sherry (optional)
Fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, celery, and carrot until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Stir in tomato paste, paprika, cayenne (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stirring until well combined. Cook for another minute.
Gradually add broth, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Puree the soup until smooth using an immersion blender, or transfer to a standard blender in batches.
Mix in the heavy cream and simmer for 10 more minutes, until slightly thickened.
Add crab meat, shrimp, and sherry (if using). Simmer for 5 minutes or until seafood is heated through, keeping the heat low to avoid curdling the cream.
Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs.
Recipe Notes:
- For an extra indulgent bisque, you can add a splash of brandy along with the dry sherry.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, you can puree the bisque with an immersion blender before adding the seafood.
- Be sure to taste the bisque as you season it, as the saltiness of the seafood stock can vary. Adjust the seasoning as needed to suit your taste preferences.
Nutrition Information:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 10g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 30g
Conclusion:
With its creamy texture and rich seafood flavor, Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a comforting meal, this indulgent bisque is the perfect choice. Serve it with crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete and satisfying dining experience.