1 tablespoon olive oil Recipe

If you’ve been dreaming of a silky, richly flavored seafood soup that feels like a warm hug on a cozy evening, this Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is here to make that dream come true. The magic starts with 1 tablespoon olive oil, which gently sautés a medley of fresh vegetables, creating a wonderful base that perfectly complements the sweet crab meat and tender shrimp that finish the dish. Every spoonful is loaded with creamy richness, a hint of spice, and the comforting taste of the sea—all wrapped up in a luscious, velvety texture you’ll be craving long after the last bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s fantastic about this bisque is how simple ingredients come together to create something truly extraordinary. Each component plays an essential role, from the aromatic vegetables that build layers of flavor to the seafood that brings the dish to life with its delicate texture and briny sweetness.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil: The fundamental cooking fat that softens vegetables and imparts a subtle fruitiness.
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion: Adds a gentle sweetness and depth to the broth.
• 1/4 cup finely chopped celery: Delivers a faint crunch and aromatic freshness.
• 1/4 cup finely chopped carrot: Provides natural sweetness and vibrant color.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced: Introduces a warm, savory punch.
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Gives richness and a touch of acidity to balance the cream.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: Lends mild smokiness and a lovely hue.
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): Adds a gentle kick for those who love a bit of heat.
• Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the bisque for that luxurious mouthfeel.
• 4 cups seafood or chicken broth: The liquid heart of the soup, bringing richness and body.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the signature creamy texture that defines a bisque.
• 1/2 pound cooked crab meat: Offers tender sweetness and a burst of ocean flavor.
• 1/2 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined, cut into bite-sized pieces: Adds substance and a pleasant chew.
• 2 tablespoons sherry (optional): Gives a delicate, nutty aroma that lifts the dish elegantly.
• Fresh herbs (parsley or chives) for garnish: Adds a finishing touch of color and brightness.

How to Make 1 tablespoon olive oil

Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil

Begin by warming 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. This oil is the foundation, responsible for gently extracting the sweetness from the onion, celery, and carrot while infusing the base with a subtle fruity aroma that elevates every other ingredient.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Once your oil is shimmering, add the finely chopped onion, celery, and carrot. Cook them slowly until they are tender and lightly golden, about 5 minutes. This step draws out their natural sugars, creating a beautifully soft bed of flavor that will marry perfectly with the seafood.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Tomato Paste

Stir in the minced garlic, cooking just until fragrant—only about a minute—to keep its bright essence vibrant. Then blend in the tomato paste along with paprika and cayenne pepper if desired, allowing these to mingle in the warm oil, intensifying the soup’s color and flavor.

Step 4: Thicken and Simmer

Sprinkle 1/4 cup all-purpose flour over the veggies and stir until combined, letting it cook for a minute to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the broth, preventing lumps, and bring the mixture to a simmer. This thick but smooth liquid is the heart of your bisque, patiently bubbling to develop rich depth over 10 minutes.

Step 5: Puree and Enrich

For that signature silky bisque texture, carefully blend the soup until completely smooth. Return to the pot, stir in 1 cup heavy cream, and allow the bisque to gently thicken as it simmers for an additional 10 minutes, developing luscious creaminess.

Step 6: Add Seafood and Finish

Finally, fold in the cooked crab meat and shrimp along with the optional 2 tablespoons sherry. Warm through for about five minutes so the seafood stays tender and full of flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper, and you’re ready to serve.

How to Serve 1 tablespoon olive oil

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley or chives sprinkled on top add a beautiful splash of green and a hint of brightness that cuts through the richness, while a light drizzle of 1 tablespoon olive oil before serving can add extra depth and gloss to your bowl.

Side Dishes

Serve this bisque alongside some crusty artisan bread or garlic toasts that you can dunk and savor. A crisp green salad tossed lightly in 1 tablespoon olive oil and lemon juice offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy bisque.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, serve the bisque in small cups or hollowed-out bread bowls, garnished with a fresh herb bouquet and just a touch more 1 tablespoon olive oil drizzled on top for visual appeal and extra flavor complexity.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer your bisque to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even better after resting, but be sure to add the seafood fresh when reheating to avoid overcooking.

Freezing

This bisque freezes well without the seafood. Freeze the base and reheat gently with 1 tablespoon olive oil added to fresh seafood, which you can stir in just before serving for best texture.

Reheating

Warm leftovers slowly over low heat, stirring in a splash of 1 tablespoon olive oil to refresh the flavors and keep the texture silky. Avoid boiling to preserve the creaminess and tender seafood pieces.

FAQs

Can I substitute the seafood broth with chicken broth?

Yes, chicken broth works perfectly if seafood broth is unavailable. Just keep in mind that seafood broth enhances that oceanic flavor, but chicken broth provides a mild, complementary base.

Is it necessary to use heavy cream?

Heavy cream is key to achieving bisque’s signature creamy richness. You could try half-and-half for a lighter version, but it won’t be as luxuriously smooth and thick.

Can I prepare this bisque vegan or vegetarian?

While the classic bisque relies on seafood and heavy cream, you could experiment by using vegetable broth, coconut cream, and plant-based seafood alternatives, though the taste will shift significantly.

How do I keep the shrimp from getting rubbery?

Add shrimp at the last moment during cooking and heat just until warmed through—usually about 3 to 5 minutes—to keep them tender and juicy.

Why does 1 tablespoon olive oil matter so much in this recipe?

That humble 1 tablespoon olive oil is where the flavor journey begins. It helps soften and bring out the sweetness of the aromatic vegetables while imparting a gentle fruity backdrop that ties the entire soup together beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is truly a celebration of flavors made accessible by simple, thoughtful ingredients like 1 tablespoon olive oil. Whether you’re cooking for a fancy dinner or a comforting weeknight meal, this bisque guarantees smiles and satisfied bellies. I can’t wait for you to try it—once you do, it’s sure to become a treasured favorite in your kitchen!

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