– 1 lb fresh crab meat
– 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 4 cups seafood stock
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup celery, diced
– 1 cup carrots, diced
– 3 tablespoons butter
– 1 teaspoon thyme
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon pepper
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Creating Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is simple when you follow these clear steps:
1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened.
2. Add Spices: Stir in the thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute to release the flavors.
3. Pour in Stock: Add the seafood stock to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add Seafood: Gently stir in the crab meat and shrimp. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
5. Incorporate Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Allow the bisque to heat gently for another 5 minutes.
6. Finish with Lemon: Add lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
7. Blend for Smoothness: For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree the bisque slightly, leaving some chunks of seafood for texture.
8. Garnish: Ladle the bisque into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
These steps will lead you to create a bisque that is not only delicious but also visually appealing.