Description
Seafood bisque is a luxurious, creamy soup that combines the rich flavors of crab, shrimp, and lobster into a velvety broth. Originating from French cuisine, bisques are traditionally made by extracting flavors from crustaceans, resulting in a smooth and highly seasoned dish. This particular recipe offers a restaurant-quality experience that’s perfect for special occasions or a comforting meal at home.
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups seafood stock (or vegetable broth)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning (optional)
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 lb lobster meat, cooked and chopped
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 1/2 lb crab meat, picked over for shells
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add chopped onion, diced celery, and diced carrots. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Stir in tomato paste, paprika, Old Bay seasoning, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices. Pour in the seafood stock and dry white wine (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Blend the Base: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the mixture in batches to a blender, blend, and return to the pot.
- Incorporate Cream and Seafood: Stir in the heavy cream and return the soup to a gentle simmer. Add the lobster, shrimp, and crab meat. Cook until the seafood is heated through and shrimp is opaque, about 5 minutes.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Ladle the bisque into bowls and garnish with paprika or fresh herbs, if desired.
Notes
- Seafood Selection: Customize the seafood mix with scallops or firm white fish as alternatives.
- Spice Level: Adjust cayenne pepper to suit your heat preference.
- Herbal Notes: Fresh herbs like thyme or tarragon can elevate the flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Blending
- Cuisine: French
