Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1 large carrot, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 cup dry sherry (or dry white wine)
- 4 cups seafood stock (or a high-quality chicken stock in a pinch)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 pound lump crab meat, carefully picked over for shells
- 1/2 pound medium raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives, for garnish
Equipment Needed
- Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
- Wooden spoon
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Immersion blender or standard blender (with caution!)
- Ladle
Step-by-Step Instructions
This bisque is all about building a flavor foundation, and it starts with what chefs call the sofrito or mirepoix. I melt the butter in my large Dutch oven over medium heat and add the chopped onion, celery, and carrot with a pinch of salt. I cook them, stirring often, for a good 10-15 minutes until they’re very soft and sweet but not browned. This patience is crucial—rushing this step means you miss out on that deep, savory base. I then add the garlic and cook for just one more minute until fragrant. The smell at this point is already heavenly.
Now, we create the roux that will thicken our bisque. I sprinkle the flour over the softened vegetables and stir constantly for about two minutes. This cooks out the raw flour taste. Next comes the tomato paste; I add it right into the center of the pot and let it cook for a minute, stirring it into the roux. This caramelizes the paste and deepens its flavor immensely. Then, I slowly pour in the dry sherry. Be ready for a great sizzle and steam! I use my wooden spoon to scrape up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pot and let the sherry reduce by half.(See the next page below to continue steps…)