Description
A rich and velvety seafood bisque featuring succulent crab meat and tender shrimp in a luxurious, cream-based broth with a splash of sherry for depth and subtle spice.
Ingredients
½ lb cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined & chopped
½ lb cooked crab meat (shells removed)
1 Tbsp olive oil (or half oil & half butter)
¼ cup celery, finely chopped
¼ cup carrot, finely chopped
½ cup onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 Tbsp tomato paste
4 cups seafood broth (or chicken broth)
1 cup heavy cream
2 Tbsp dry sherry (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh chopped parsley or chives, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large heavy pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil (or a blend of oil and butter). Sauté the onion, carrot, and celery until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste, smoked paprika, and optional cayenne. Cook for another 1–2 minutes.
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for about 2 minutes to form a roux and eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Gradually pour in the broth while stirring. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10–12 minutes until slightly thickened. Add sherry, if using.
- Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream. Gently fold in the cooked shrimp and crab meat. Simmer for 5 minutes until seafood is heated through.
- Season with salt and black pepper. Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley or chives. Serve hot.
Notes
Use lump crab meat for best flavor and texture.
Frozen shrimp works well; thaw and pat dry before using.
Substitute lemon juice or white wine if sherry is unavailable.
For a thicker bisque, reduce broth or blend part of the soup before adding seafood.
Avoid boiling the bisque after adding cream to prevent separation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
