Creole Shrimp Bisque

Soup is a hard match for wine--liquid on liquid. Sparklers fix the texture problem, with bubbles for contrast. Here, the red fruit in a rosé really pops with the sweet shrimp and tames the heat of the cayenne. And bubbly's characteristic yeastiness echoes the slightly darkened roux thickening this bisque.

1 1/2 pounds (31 to 35 per lb.) shrimp, shelled (shells reserved), deveined, and cut into 1/2-in. pieces

About 3 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth

1 cup dry white wine

1 medium onion, peeled and quartered

4 garlic cloves, halved lengthwise

3 celery stalks, cut into chunks

1 medium carrot, cut into chunks

3 oregano sprigs

2 thyme sprigs, plus fresh thyme leaves for garnish

1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns

3/4 cup butter

1/2 cup flour

1 tablespoon paprika

1/4 teaspoon cayenne

2 cups half-and-half

1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

Step 1

In a large saucepan, combine shrimp shells, 3 cups broth, the wine, onion, garlic, celery, carrot, oregano and thyme sprigs, and peppercorns. Bring to a boil, then simmer, covered, 30 minutes. Strain into a large glass measuring cup; if you have less than 3 1/2 cups, add more broth.

Step 2

Melt butter in same pan over medium heat. Stir in flour, paprika, and cayenne and cook, stirring often, until mixture just starts to darken and smell nutty, about 3 minutes. Whisk in broth mixture and half-and-half, increase heat, and continue whisking until mixture boils and thickens, about 8 minutes. If bisque is too thick, add a little more broth. Stir in salt and shrimp, remove from heat, and let sit until shrimp pieces are pink on the outside and opaque but still moist-looking inside (cut to test), about 3 minutes.

Step 3

Ladle bisque into shooter glasses or small cups and sprinkle thyme leaves on top.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 0

Amount Per Serving
Calories 159Calories from Fat 64

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 11g17%

Saturated Fat 7g35%
Cholesterol 90mg30%
Sodium 289mg13%
Total Carbohydrate 5.8g2%

Dietary Fiber 0.6g3%
Protein 8.4g17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Print Options:

Creole Shrimp Bisque