Indulge in the creamy, rich flavors of the sea with this Simple Shrimp Bisque recipe. This dish is a cozy and elegant soup perfect for those nights when you crave something warm and satisfying. With its smooth texture and decadent taste, this bisque is sure to impress both family and dinner guests alike.
Ingredients:
- Shrimp Preparation:
- 500g large shrimp, peeled and deveined (reserve the shells)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Bisque:
- Shrimp shells from the above
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup brandy or cognac
- 4 cups seafood or chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
1.Prep the Shrimp:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then sauté until they are pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside. Once cool, chop the shrimp into bite-sized pieces.
2.Make the Stock:
Using the same skillet, add the reserved shrimp shells. Sauté until they turn pink and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. This will form the base of your bisque and infuse it with a deep seafood flavor.
3.Cook the Vegetables:
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute.
4.Deglaze and Simmer:
Pour in the brandy or cognac to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the shrimp shells back into the pot along with the seafood or chicken broth, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
5.Blend the Bisque:
After simmering, remove the bay leaf and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender.
6.Finish the Bisque:
Strain the bisque through a fine mesh sieve back into the pot to ensure a smooth texture. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the chopped shrimp back into the soup, warming through.
7.Serve:
Ladle the bisque into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately. Enjoy the comforting and luxurious flavors of this simple yet elegant shrimp bisque.
This Simple Shrimp Bisque is a testament to the fact that you don’t need a plethora of ingredients or complex methods to create a dish that’s rich in flavor and warmth. Perfect for any occasion, this bisque will become a cherished recipe in your culinary repertoire.
