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How to Make Crab Bisque Like a Pro
Bisque is a rich, creamy soup made by cooking the ingredients slowly over a long period of time. Like consommé, it concentrates flavors while creating a smooth, creamy soup. It uses a seafood stock that is made by cooking the shells of your seafood in water. Crab shells are perfect to use, but you can also use shrimp. Do not boil the shells; just let them simmer. Do not stir the shells while this simmering takes place or you may muddy your stock. The shells need to cook for an hour. Remove any white foam that appears using a slotted spoon.
Having the patience to do this right is imperative when you are learning how to make crab bisque. This is the tried and true method to get a classic crab bisque. While your stock cooks, you can gather your herbs. You will need thyme, parsley, and bay leaves to tie into a bouquet garni. This makes it really simple to remove the herbs at the end of cooking.
Once the shells are not longer releasing foam, it is time to add more flavors. You can add ingredients like wine, onions, celery, carrots, tomato paste, herbs, and peppercorns. It is your choice what you want to add. Simmer the soup another half an hour after you add your ingredients.
Now it is time to strain the soup. Cheesecloth works best. Lay some over a metal colander or mesh strainer and pour the soup through into another pot. The colander will catch all the chunky pieces so you can remove them easily.
Now it is time to begin the next phase of making your crab bisque. Chop some shallots up and sauté them in butter. Once they become translucent, you can add stock to the pan. If you wish, you can also add wine, tomato paste, and white rice at this time. Simmer until the rice is cooked.
Now it is time to add your crabmeat. Let the bisque cool for a while so it will be safer to puree. You can use a blender to puree small batches of soup or you can use a stick blender. You want to create a consistent, smooth texture.
Once the soup has been pureed, put it back in the pan. Turn the heat on low to medium and add the cream. Season it to taste with your choice of seasonings. Heat through and serve immediately. Your guests will be amazed at the rich flavors that come through in your homemade crab bisque.
The important thing to remember when making crab bisque is that it takes time. You cannot rush this recipe and get the same, delicious results. Once you taste the rich, crab flavor, you will understand why this soup requires these steps. It is the only way to get all the crab flavor into this classic soup.
Once you have mastered a delicious crab bisque, you will have the confidence to try any recipe. Crab bisques are often served in the best restaurants as one of their special dishes. Being able to reproduce this dish at home is a great way to hone your culinary skills.
