Shrimp Bisque

Ingredients

• ½ cup butter
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup chopped yellow onion
• ¼ cup chopped celery
• ¼ cup chopped green bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 8½ cups Shrimp Stock
• ¼ cup brandy
• 5 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 pound peeled and deveined large fresh shrimp

Garnish: dry sherry, chopped fresh parsley
French bread

Directions

1. In a large Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add flour and cook, stirring constantly, 6 minutes.
3. Stir in onion, celery, bell pepper, garlic, and Old Bay.
4. Cook, stirring constantly, 7 minutes.
5. In the container of a blender, combine onion mixture and half-and-half. Blend until smooth and return to Dutch oven.
6. Add Shrimp Stock, brandy, tomato paste, and smoked paprika.
7. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and simmer 35 to 40 minutes.
8. Add shrimp and cook until shrimp are pink and firm, 8 to 10 minutes.
9. Garnish with a drizzle of sherry and chopped parsley, if desired. Serve with French bread.

Tip

Save the shrimp shells to make stock for the next time!