Indulge in the rich, velvety flavors of the sea with this Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque. This luxurious dish combines the sweetness of crab meat and the tender bite of shrimp with a creamy, tomato-infused broth. Perfect for special occasions or a comforting meal at home, this bisque brings a touch of elegance and warmth to your table.
Benefits:
- Rich in Flavor: The combination of shrimp, crab, and a creamy broth creates a deeply satisfying taste experience.
- Nutritious: Seafood is packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential nutrients.
- Impressive Presentation: This dish is perfect for entertaining guests or treating yourself to a gourmet meal at home.
- Comforting: The creamy texture and warm flavors make this bisque a perfect comfort food.
Ingredients:
For the Seafood Bisque:
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 pound crab meat, preferably lump
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 2 stalks celery, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 3 cups seafood or fish broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
For Thickening:
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Instructions:
- Prepare the Seafood:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Remove them from the pot, allow them to cool, and chop roughly. Set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, carrot, celery, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Flavor Base:
- Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, and dried thyme. Continue to cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Make the Bisque:
- Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir well to combine. Gradually pour in the seafood broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer:
- Reduce the heat and let the bisque simmer gently for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to develop and the bisque to thicken slightly.
- Add Seafood and Cream:
- Stir in the chopped shrimp and crab meat. Pour in the heavy cream and mix well to combine. Let the bisque cook for an additional 5 minutes until everything is heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Ladle the creamy seafood bisque into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately with crusty bread or a side salad.
Helpful Tips:
- Fresh Seafood: Use the freshest seafood you can find for the best flavor.
- Broth: Homemade seafood or fish broth adds a richer taste, but store-bought works just as well.
- Blending Option: For a smoother bisque, you can blend a portion of the soup before adding the seafood.
- Cream Adjustment: Adjust the amount of cream to your desired level of richness.
FAQs:
- Can I use frozen shrimp and crab?
Yes, frozen shrimp and crab can be used. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. - What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a combination of milk and butter for a lighter version. - Can I add other seafood?
Absolutely! Scallops, lobster, or fish chunks would be great additions.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the bisque with a fresh green salad and a slice of crusty French bread for a complete meal.
- Pair with a glass of chilled white wine, like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the rich seafood flavors.
Servings: 4-6
Total Time: 50 minutes
Enjoy this Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque as a comforting meal or an elegant starter for a special dinner. The combination of rich, creamy flavors with the delicate seafood makes this dish a real treat for the senses.
Recipe Card
Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe
Indulge in the rich, velvety flavors of the sea with this Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque. This luxurious dish combines the sweetness of crab meat and the tender bite of shrimp with a creamy, tomato-infused broth. Perfect for special occasions or a comforting meal at home, this bisque brings a touch of elegance and warmth to your table.
Ingredients
For the Seafood Bisque:
- – 1/2 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
- – 1/2 pound crab meat preferably lump
- – 2 tablespoons butter
- – 1 onion finely chopped
- – 1 carrot finely diced
- – 2 stalks celery finely diced
- – 3 cloves garlic minced
- – 1/4 cup tomato paste
- – 3 cups seafood or fish broth
- – 1 cup heavy cream
- – 1 teaspoon paprika
- – 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- – Salt and pepper to taste
- – Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
For Thickening:
- – 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Instructions
Prepare the Seafood:
- – Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Remove them from the pot, allow them to cool, and chop roughly. Set aside.
Sauté Vegetables:
- – In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, carrot, celery, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add Flavor Base:
- – Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, and dried thyme. Continue to cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Make the Bisque:
- – Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir well to combine. Gradually pour in the seafood broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Simmer:
- – Reduce the heat and let the bisque simmer gently for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to develop and the bisque to thicken slightly.
Add Seafood and Cream:
- – Stir in the chopped shrimp and crab meat. Pour in the heavy cream and mix well to combine. Let the bisque cook for an additional 5 minutes until everything is heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve:
- – Ladle the creamy seafood bisque into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately with crusty bread or a side salad.