Creamy Shrimp Bisque

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined, shells reserved 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined, shells reserved
• 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, chopped 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 4 cups (950ml) fish or vegetable stock 4 cups (950ml) fish or vegetable stock
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 28g, 17g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 4g
• Protein: 24g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
2. 2.
   Add the shrimp shells to the pot and cook for a few minutes until they turn pink.
3. 3.
   Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute.
4. 4.
   Pour in the fish or vegetable stock and add the bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
5. 5.
   Remove the bay leaf and discard. Use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a blender to puree until smooth.
6. 6.
   Return the pureed mixture to the pot and add the heavy cream and paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Bring the bisque to a gentle simmer and add the shrimp. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the shrimp are cooked through.
8. 8.
   Serve the Creamy Shrimp Bisque hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Shrimp — Ensure the shrimp is fresh and deveined properly to avoid any gritty texture in the bisque.

Tips & Tricks

• For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or use a lighter cream alternative.
• To add an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of brandy or white wine to the bisque while simmering.
• For a more pronounced seafood taste, you can add a small amount of fish sauce to the bisque.

Serving advice

Serve the Creamy Shrimp Bisque as a starter for an elegant dinner party or as a comforting main course alongside crusty bread or a salad.

Presentation advice

When serving, drizzle a swirl of cream on top of each bowl of bisque and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve in shallow bowls to showcase the beautiful color and smooth texture of the bisque.