Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

• active time: 15 minutes
• total time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined

8 oz crab meat, picked over for shells

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 celery stalk, finely chopped

1 carrot, finely chopped

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups seafood stock (or chicken stock)

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup whole milk

1/4 cup dry sherry (optional)

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh chives or parsley, chopped for garnish

Directions

Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrot. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir to coat. Cook the flour for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until it’s lightly browned.

Add the Liquids: Gradually whisk in the seafood stock, ensuring no lumps form. Add the tomato paste, Old Bay seasoning, and cayenne pepper if using.

Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

Blend the Bisque: If you prefer a smoother bisque, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup to a blender in batches, then return it to the pot.

Add the Cream, Milk, and Sherry: Stir in the heavy cream, milk, and dry sherry (if using). Reduce the heat to low and simmer the bisque for another 5 minutes.

Add the Seafood: Stir in the shrimp and crab meat. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.

Season and Serve: Taste the bisque and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Ladle the bisque into bowls and garnish with chopped chives or parsley.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Total Fat: 20g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 15g
• Protein: 22g