Seafood Bisque (Print Version)

Ingredients:

01 - 1/2 lb Cooked Shrimp (peeled, deveined, and chopped).
02 - 1/2 lb Cooked Crab Meat (shells removed).
03 - 1 tbsp Olive Oil.
04 - 1/4 cup Celery (finely chopped).
05 - 1/4 cup Carrot (finely chopped).
06 - 1/2 cup Onion (finely chopped).
07 - 2 Garlic Cloves (minced).
08 - 1 tsp Paprika.
09 - 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper (optional, for spice).
10 - 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour.
11 - 2 tbsp Tomato Paste.
12 - 4 cups Seafood or Chicken Broth.
13 - 1 cup Heavy Cream.
14 - 2 tbsp Sherry (optional).
15 - Salt and Black Pepper (to taste).
16 - Fresh Herbs (parsley, chives, or dill for garnish).

Instructions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté celery, carrot, and onion for 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
02 - Stir in tomato paste, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to caramelize and bloom the spices.
03 - Sprinkle flour over the vegetables, stirring for 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the broth to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
04 - Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bisque thickens. Add sherry if desired.
05 - Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in heavy cream, followed by chopped shrimp and crab meat. Cook for 5 minutes until the seafood is heated through.
06 - Season the bisque with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot with crusty bread.

Notes:

01 - Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque combines tender shrimp, sweet crab, and a rich seasoned broth for a luxurious seafood dish.
02 - Perfect for dinner parties, special occasions, or as a comforting meal, this bisque pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad.
03 - Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper.