Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) lump crab meat, picked over for shells
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups seafood stock or chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base
- In a large pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat until melted.
- Add the onions, celery, and carrots. Sauté until softened and aromatic, about 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Step 2: Build the Flavor
- Add the tomato paste and stir well, allowing it to cook for 2 minutes to deepen its flavor.
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat evenly. Cook for 2 more minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer
- Slowly pour in the white wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.
- Add the seafood stock while stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Blend the Soup
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer it to a blender in batches, then return it to the pot.
Step 5: Add the Cream and Crab
- Stir in the heavy cream, smoked paprika, Old Bay seasoning, and cayenne pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Gently fold in the crab meat, reserving a small amount for garnish. Heat through without bringing the soup to a boil.
Step 6: Season and Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.
- Ladle the bisque into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and reserved crab meat. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g