Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (approx. 1 cup / 150g)
- 1 green bell pepper, finely diced (approx. 1 cup / 150g)
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced (approx. ½ cup / 75g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
- 6 cups (1.4 L) chicken broth, low sodium preferred
- 1 pound (450g) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups (300g) frozen corn kernels, thawed
- 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning (such as Tony Chachere's)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) dry sherry (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
- Melt butter in the large pot over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and celery and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes, until the roux is lightly browned.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the shrimp, corn, Creole seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Simmer until the shrimp is cooked through and pink, about 3-5 minutes.
- Remove about 2 cups of the soup and carefully puree in a blender or with an immersion blender until smooth. Return the pureed soup to the pot.
- Stir in the heavy cream and sherry (if using). Heat gently, but do not boil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle the bisque into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.