Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is a delicious, creamy soup that is perfect for a cozy night in or for entertaining guests. The bisque is made with a combination of crab meat and shrimp, and is flavored with herbs and spices to create a rich and flavorful dish.

The word “bisque” comes from the French word “bisque,” which originally referred to a type of soup made with game birds, but now generally refers to a creamy, smooth soup made with seafood or vegetables. Crab and shrimp bisque is a classic example of this type of soup.

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons chopped green onion

2 tablespoons chopped celery

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 1/2 cups milk

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 cup heavy whipping cream

8 ounces crab meat

4 to 8 ounces small cooked shrimp or other seafood

2 tablespoon sherry win

Directions:

Melt the butter in a Dutch oven or large saucepan over medium-low heat; add the chopped green onion and celery. Saute, stirring, until tender.

Blend the flour into the butter and vegetables until well incorporated. Continue cooking, stirring, for about 2 minutes.

Warm the milk in another saucepan over medium heat.

Slowly stir in the warmed milk and continue cooking and stirring until thickened.

Add the freshly ground black pepper, tomato paste, and heavy cream.

If desired, puree the soup in a blender or food processor** at this point and then return it to the saucepan.

Stir in the crab, shrimp, and the sherry. Bring to a simmer.

There are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind when making crab and shrimp bisque:

Use high-quality crab meat and shrimp for the best flavor. Fresh seafood is ideal, but if you are using frozen seafood, be sure to thaw it completely before adding it to the soup.
Be sure to whisk the roux constantly to prevent lumps from forming. If lumps do form, use a fine mesh strainer to strain the mixture before adding the chicken broth.
Don’t overcook the seafood, as it can become tough and rubbery. Cook the seafood just until it is pink and opaque.
If you prefer a thinner soup, you can add additional chicken broth or heavy cream to the soup until it reaches your desired consistency.

Crab and shrimp bisque is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or as a starter. It pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as crusty bread, salad, or roasted vegetables.

Overall, crab and shrimp bisque is a delicious and comforting soup that is perfect for any occasion. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can create a dish that is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings for seafood.