If you’re a purist, you know that a true bisque is a seafood soup, but it is often used to describe any creamy soup. The soup is French, but the origin of the word “bisque” it is not clear. It might be derived from Biscay, as in The Bay of Biscay, a gulf which lies off the west coast of Europe, bordering Western France and Northern Spain.
This seafood bisque is made with crab and shrimp, but you may choose to substitute another seafood or add a third, such as lobster, scallops, or firm, flaked fish.
The soup is super easy to prepare and cook, and it’s ready in 15 minutes. Serve with freshly baked biscuits or crusty bread. If it’s a lunch or main course soup, add a salad.
Absolutely delicious! I went ahead and make it with just a 1/4 cup of wine. I tried both with all shrimp and all crab, but I liked it better with all shrimp. It tasted like something you would get at an expensive restaurant. It was real easy to make, too. I think that it was meant to be used as a small appetizer served in a cup, thats why the servings are so small. It does, however make a generous 2 servings, if you are using it as a main dish (especially since its SO filling!). I served it with cheese-garlic biscuits, a winning combo.
To Make this Recipe You’Il Need the following ingredients:
Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe
To Make this Recipe You’Il Need the following ingredients:
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 wine*
Preparation :
- 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.
Serve hot. - Tips and Variations
Feel free to add small cooked bay scallops or lobster instead of the shrimp.
Replace the green onions with finely chopped shallots.
If desired, garnish the soup with thinly sliced green onion tops, cilantro, or parsley. Or add a spoonful of sour cream and swirl it.
Yield: 4 Servings
