Soup > Seafood Soups > Shrimp Soup

Classic Shrimp Bisque Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup of dry white wine
- 4 cups of chicken or seafood broth
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish

Special equipment needed:
- Blender or immersion blender

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

2. Add the flour to the pot and stir until it forms a paste. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.

3. Slowly pour in the white wine while stirring constantly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens.

4. Add the chicken or seafood broth to the pot and stir until the mixture is smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.

5. Add the shrimp to the pot and cook for 5 minutes until they turn pink.

6. Using a blender or immersion blender, puree the soup until it is smooth.

7. Return the soup to the pot and add the heavy cream, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.

8. Simmer the soup for another 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly.

9. Serve the bisque hot, garnished with fresh parsley.


Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
Simmer over medium heat
Serving size:
4-6 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 450
Fat: 34g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 18g
Sodium: 900mg

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken or seafood broth for a vegetarian version.
- You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.

Variations:
- Add diced potatoes or carrots for a heartier soup.
- Use lobster or crab instead of shrimp for a different flavor.
- Add a splash of brandy or sherry for a more complex flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to puree the soup until it is smooth for the best texture.
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your taste.

Storage instructions:
Store leftover bisque in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat the bisque in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the bisque in individual bowls with a sprig of fresh parsley on top.

Garnishes:
Fresh parsley, croutons, or a drizzle of olive oil.

Pairings:
Crusty bread, salad, or a light white wine.

Suggested side dishes:
Grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a side salad.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the soup is too thick, add more broth or cream to thin it out.
- If the soup is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to thicken it.

Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the shrimp until they are pink and opaque.
- Store leftover bisque in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving.

Food history:
Bisque is a classic French soup that originated in the 17th century. It was traditionally made with shellfish, such as lobster or crab.

Flavor profiles:
Creamy, rich, and slightly spicy.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the bisque as a first course or as a main dish with a side salad.

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Taste: Rich, Creamy, Savory, Seafood, Buttery, Aromatic