Indulge in the creamy, rich flavors of this Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque, a comforting and elegant dish perfect for any special occasion or cozy night in. This bisque combines succulent crab meat and tender shrimp with a delicate blend of spices and aromatics, creating a seafood lover’s dream. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, this bisque is sure to impress your guests and elevate your dining experience.
Ingredients:
- Seafood Base:
- 1 lb fresh crab meat (preferably lump crab)
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cups seafood stock or fish stock
- Aromatics:
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
- 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter
- Flavoring:
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Thickening Agent:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Instructions:
- Prepare the Aromatics:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrot, and sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Create the Base:
- Add the flour to the pot, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes to create a roux. This will help thicken the bisque.
- Slowly whisk in the white wine, making sure to deglaze the pot by scraping up any brown bits from the bottom.
- Add the Seafood Stock:
- Gradually pour in the seafood stock, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Incorporate the Seafood:
- Add the shrimp to the pot and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they turn pink. Then gently fold in the crab meat.
- Season the Bisque:
- Stir in the heavy cream, tomato paste, Old Bay seasoning, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Let the bisque simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve:
- Ladle the bisque into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Pair with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.