1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup finely chopped celery
1/4 cup finely chopped carrot
2 minced garlic cloves
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups seafood or chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 pound cooked crab meat, shell pieces removed
1/2 pound cooked, peeled, deveined shrimp, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons sherry (optional)
Fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives) for garnish
Instructions:
In a large pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrot, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes). Add garlic, cooking for an additional minute.
Stir in tomato paste, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and a pinch of salt and black pepper, cooking for 2 minutes.
Add flour, stirring well, and cook for a minute.
Gradually add broth, stirring continuously. Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Blend the soup until smooth with an immersion blender or in a standard blender in batches. Return to the pot if necessary.
Mix in heavy cream, simmering for another 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add crab meat, shrimp, and sherry (if using). Cook for 5 minutes, ensuring the bisque simmers gently.
Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs.
This Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is more than just a meal; it’s an experience, perfect for warming up on a chilly day or making any ordinary day feel extraordinary. Enjoy the symphony of flavors in every spoonful!
