Bisque A La Crab
A rich, creamy crab bisque with tender celery, water chestnuts, and subtle sherry flavor, perfect for seafood lovers seeking a comforting, elegant starter or main dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, cook the sliced celery with crushed chervil in butter until tender.
- Stir in the condensed cream of chicken soup, cream of shrimp soup, milk, sherry, and drained crab meat.
- Heat until everything is well blended, stirring occasionally.
- Do not allow the soup to boil.
- Optionally, substitute mushrooms for shrimp or canned crab meat for variety.
- Serve hot as a delicious starter or main course.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, sauté the celery until slightly caramelized before adding the other ingredients. If you want to add some texture, consider incorporating diced mushrooms in place of the crab or using canned crab meat for convenience. Adjust the thickness of the bisque by varying the amount of milk, and feel free to add seasonings like Old Bay for an extra kick. This bisque is reminiscent of classic seafood recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This bisque is best served hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh chervil or parsley for color. Pair it with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal. It also works well as an elegant starter at dinner parties. For a delightful duo, consider serving alongside a Shrimp Onion Dip for a seafood-themed feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat to prevent the soup from curdling. Stir frequently and add a splash of milk if the soup thickens too much during storage. Avoid reheating in the microwave for best results.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bisque A La Crab contains roughly 881 calories, with 19g protein, 120g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (80% of the Daily Value), calcium (68% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1055mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh crab instead of frozen for this recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh crab can add an incredible flavor to your bisque. Just make sure to cook and clean the crab before adding it to the soup. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as fresh crab may require less time to heat through compared to frozen crab.
Is it possible to make this bisque gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this bisque gluten-free by ensuring your condensed soups are gluten-free. Additionally, check the sherry label, as some varieties may contain gluten. Using a gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the bisque can also help if you prefer a thicker consistency.
What can I serve with this bisque?
This bisque pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or crispy breadsticks. For a more robust meal, serve it alongside a light pasta dish or seafood platter. You might also consider offering a side of garlic bread for a comforting touch, creating a delightful dining experience.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).