Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisqu
This luxurious bisque combines the delicate sweetness of crab and the juicy succulence of shrimp, creating a comforting, flavorful seafood delight.
Ingredients
- Seafood:
- 1/2 lb fresh or canned lump crab meat
- 1/2 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1 large carrot, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- For the Base:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup dry sherry
- 4 cups seafood stock or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Vegetables
- Finely chop the onion, celery, and carrot to form the aromatic base of the bisque.
2. Cook the Vegetables
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the onion, celery, and carrot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
3. Make the Roux
- Sprinkle the flour evenly over the vegetables and mix well.
- Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until the flour is lightly browned and the mixture thickens.
4. Deglaze and Simmer
- Slowly add the sherry, scraping the bottom of the pot to lift any browned bits.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sherry reduces slightly.
- Gradually pour in the seafood stock or chicken broth, stirring to ensure a smooth consistency.
- Add the bay leaf and Old Bay seasoning.
- Simmer gently for 15-20 minutes to develop the flavors.
5. Blend the Bisque
- Remove the bay leaf.
- Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or in batches with a countertop blender.
- Return the blended soup to the pot.
6. Add Seafood and Cream
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring the bisque to a low simmer.
- Add the shrimp and cook for 3-5 minutes, until pink and opaque.
- Gently fold in the lump crab meat and heat through for another 2-3 minutes.
7. Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the bisque into bowls.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and, if desired, a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning or a drizzle of extra cream.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh seafood for the best flavor.
- Avoid overcooking the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Serve with crusty bread or crackers for a satisfying meal.
Enjoy your creamy seafood bisque!