Description
This Seafood Bisque features a luxurious blend of scallops, cod, and shrimp simmered in a creamy base enriched with smoked paprika and a touch of cayenne. Perfectly balanced with aromatic vegetables and a splash of white wine, this French-American inspired bisque is elegant and comforting, ideal for a sophisticated dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood Bisque Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 small carrot, diced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 3 cups seafood or fish stock
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Seafood
- 6 ounces cod, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 6 ounces shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 6 ounces sea scallops, patted dry
Garnish
- Chopped fresh chives or parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, diced celery, and carrot. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until the vegetables soften, creating a flavorful foundation.
- Create the Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the softened vegetables and stir thoroughly to coat them evenly. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring continuously, to develop the roux that will thicken the bisque.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Slowly pour in the dry white wine, stirring constantly to deglaze the pot and lift any flavorful bits from the bottom. Add the seafood or fish stock, bring the mixture to a simmer, and let it cook for 10 minutes to develop deep, rich flavors.
- Add Cream and Spices: Stir in the heavy cream, whole milk, smoked paprika, optional cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Allow the bisque to simmer gently for another 5 minutes, blending the flavors together.
- Cook the Seafood: Gently add the cod pieces, shrimp, and sea scallops to the pot. Simmer the bisque for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the seafood is just cooked through and tender without overcooking.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the fresh lemon juice, taste, and adjust seasoning if necessary. Ladle the bisque into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh chives or parsley. Serve hot for a delicious and elegant meal.
Notes
- For a smoother bisque texture, blend the soup base before adding the seafood using an immersion blender.
- Add lobster or crab meat for an even more luxurious variation.
- Serve with crusty bread or oyster crackers to complement the creamy soup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French-American
