Crab and Shrimp Bisque (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Seafood

01 - 1 pound fresh crab meat or canned
02 - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

→ Liquids

03 - 4 cups seafood stock
04 - 1 cup heavy cream

→ Vegetables and Aromatics

05 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 stalk celery, chopped
08 - 1 small carrot, diced

→ Spices and Garnish

09 - 1 teaspoon paprika
10 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
11 - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
12 - 1 bay leaf
13 - Salt to taste
14 - Pepper to taste
15 - Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

→ Other

16 - 3 tablespoons butter
17 - 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

# Instructions:

01 - In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions, celery, and carrots. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
02 - Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
03 - Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables, stirring well to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes to slightly brown the flour without burning it.
04 - Gradually whisk in the seafood stock, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer while stirring constantly.
05 - Allow the bisque to simmer for about 20-30 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
06 - Once the broth is well developed, add the crab and shrimp. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the shrimp turns pink and is cooked through.
07 - Stir in the heavy cream and let the bisque simmer for an extra 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
08 - Remove the bay leaf and season the bisque with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.