Broccoli And Crab Bisque
A creamy, flavorful bisque combining tender crab and fresh broccoli with hearty potatoes and carrots, perfect for elegant starters or comforting meals. Rich, savory, and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons butter or oil ⓘ
- 5 cups broth ⓘ
- 1 large head broccoli, stems sliced crosswise ⓘ
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme leaves, crushed ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- dash of cayenne ⓘ
- 2 cups skim milk
- 1 pound crab meat or sea legs, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups diced carrots ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, sauté onion in butter or oil until soft.
- Add broth, sliced broccoli stems, half of the potatoes, half of the carrots, celery, black pepper, lemon juice, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and cayenne. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaf.
- Puree the vegetables and broth in a blender until smooth.
- Return the puree to the pot. Add remaining carrots and potatoes and cook over low heat for 5 to 10 minutes.
- When potatoes and carrots are nearly soft, add broccoli flowerets.
- Cook for an additional 15 minutes.
- Add milk and crab meat, and heat the soup without boiling.
- Serve the bisque with croutons if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier bisque, blend in some additional cooked potatoes or use a hand blender directly in the pot. If you're out of crab meat, cooked shrimp can be a great substitute, adding a different but delightful flavor. Fresh herbs, such as dill or parsley, can elevate the dish significantly. Adjust the cayenne to your spice preference for a milder or spicier soup.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the bisque hot, garnished with croutons or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added color and flavor. A side of crusty bread or a light salad pairs well to balance the richness. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing guests, especially when served as a starter alongside our favorite crab dishes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover bisque in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. Avoid boiling the soup after adding the crab and milk to prevent curdling. You can also freeze the bisque for up to three months; thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli And Crab Bisque contains roughly 1767 calories, with 24g protein, 221g carbohydrates, and 110g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (229% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (152% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1356mg per serving (59% 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 frozen broccoli in this bisque?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well in this recipe! Just add it in the last 15 minutes of cooking. While fresh broccoli gives a vibrant color and flavor, frozen broccoli is convenient and will still provide a delicious result.
Is it possible to make this bisque dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the skim milk with a plant-based milk like almond or coconut milk. Just be cautious with the flavor; unsweetened varieties are best. You can also add a bit of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
What can I do if my bisque is too thick?
If your bisque turns out thicker than you'd like, simply stir in additional broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. Remember to adjust the seasoning accordingly, as adding more liquid may dilute the flavor.
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).