Seafood Bisque with Crab and Shrimp

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup carrots, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups seafood or chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 pound cooked crab meat, peeled and chopped
• 1/2 pound cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
• 2 tablespoons sherry (optional)
• Fresh herbs for garnish

Preparation

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the onion, celery, and carrot until soft, then add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
2. Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir until well combined. Cook for another minute.
4. Gradually add the broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or transfer it in batches to a regular blender.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for another 10 minutes, until slightly thickened.
7. Add the crab meat, shrimp, and sherry (if using). Cook for 5 minutes, or until the seafood is heated through. Keep the heat low to prevent burning.
8. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
9. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs.

Enjoy this rich and creamy seafood bisque, perfect for a cozy meal.