Crab bisque is a luxurious, indulgent dish that features a rich, creamy, and flavorful base filled with tender chunks of crab meat. This classic seafood dish can elevate any dinner party, or you can simply enjoy it on a cold night with a crusty loaf of bread. Here is our best crab bisque recipe that will help you master the art of making this delicious soup.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound fresh lump crab meat

– 4 cups seafood stock

– 2 cups heavy cream

– 1/4 cup unsalted butter

– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

– 1 medium onion, diced

– 1/2 cup chopped celery

– 1/2 cup diced carrots

– 2 garlic cloves, minced

– 1 tsp paprika

– 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

– 2 tbsp tomato paste

– 1/4 cup dry sherry (optional)

– Juice of half a lemon

– Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

– Fresh parsley or chives, to garnish

Instructions:

Step 1: Sauté the vegetables

In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Cook the vegetables for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until aromatic.

Step 2: Cook the roux

Add the all-purpose flour to the pot with the vegetables and cook for another two minutes while stirring constantly to create a roux. The roux should be light brown and evenly distributed throughout the vegetables.

Step 3: Add liquids and seasoning

Gradually pour in the seafood stock while continuously stirring to avoid lumps. Add paprika, cayenne pepper, tomato paste, dry sherry (if using), lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine all the ingredients.

Step 4: Simmer

Cover the pot with a lid and let the bisque simmer for about 30 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent any sticking at the bottom of the pot.

Step 5: Add heavy cream

Once the vegetables are cooked and tender, slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly, ensuring that it blends well with the soup base.

Step 6: Add the crabmeat

Gently fold in the lump crab meat to the bisque, being mindful not to break up any large pieces of crab while stirring. Allow the crab bisque to gently simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Step 7: Serve

Taste your crab bisque and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle into warm bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or chives. Serve piping hot with your favorite crusty bread for dipping.

This best crab bisque recipe is undeniably mouthwatering and sure-to-impress. There’s nothing like a sumptuous seafood dish that will bring ultimate comfort on a cold day or serve as an elegant starter for an unforgettable dining experience. Enjoy!