Bisque Of Crabmeat And Mushrooms
A rich and creamy crab and mushroom bisque with delicate flavors of butter, herbs, and spices, perfect for seafood lovers and elegant dining occasions.
Ingredients
- 6 Tbsp. sweet butter
- 4 Tbsp. onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. green pepper, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 scallion, coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. parsley, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups milk ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- dash of paprika
- 1 cup half and half ⓘ
- 2 (6 oz.) packages frozen crabmeat ⓘ
Instructions
- Thaw the crabmeat and set aside.
- In a medium skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Saute the finely chopped onion, green pepper, scallion, chopped parsley, and sliced mushrooms until soft but not browned.
- Remove the sautéed vegetables from the skillet and reserve.
- In the same skillet, stir in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually add 1 1/2 cups of milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/8 teaspoon of pepper, and a dash of paprika.
- Stir in 1 cup of half and half and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the reserved sautéed vegetables and the crabmeat.
- Cook for an additional 5 minutes until heated through and flavors meld.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or sherry while sautéing the vegetables. If you don't have fresh crabmeat, canned or refrigerated crab can be a suitable substitute, though the texture may vary. You can also experiment with different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or portobello, for a unique twist. This dish pairs beautifully with Crabmeat In Garlic-Cream Sauce for a delightful seafood-themed meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the bisque hot, garnished with extra chopped parsley for a fresh touch. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal. For a more substantial dish, consider serving it alongside a side of Cheesy Tuna Burgers or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the bisque.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the bisque on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent separation. Avoid boiling, as it can affect the creamy texture. If the bisque thickens too much during storage, add a splash of milk or half and half to restore its consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bisque Of Crabmeat And Mushrooms contains roughly 348 calories, with 33g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (223% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (117% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2207mg per serving (96% 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?
Yes, fresh crab can be used instead of frozen. Just ensure it's properly cooked and flaked before adding it to the bisque. Fresh crab will add a delightful sweetness and enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
What types of mushrooms work best in this recipe?
While the recipe calls for regular mushrooms, you can use your favorite types such as cremini, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms. Each variety will impart a different flavor profile, so feel free to mix and match to suit your taste.
Is it possible to make this bisque dairy-free?
Absolutely! To make a dairy-free version, substitute the milk and half and half with coconut milk or a plant-based milk alternative, such as almond or oat milk. Just ensure that the flour used is gluten-free if necessary, and adjust seasonings to taste.
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).