There are soups and there are super-soups, such as this corn and crab bisque: rich and unforgettable. Concentrated shrimp stock may be found in the freezer section of well-stocked markets; bottled clam juice may be substituted, but reduce the salt in the recipe. For an easy luncheon, serve this with a green salad, loaf of French bread, and glass of white wine.
Serves 4
- 2-1/2 cups (5 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 ears of corn, shucked
- 1/2 large onion, chopped
- 1/4 red bell pepper, seeded, deribbed, and diced fine
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 cups shrimp stock or bottled clam juice
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1-1/2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme, or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 3-1/2 cups heavy (whipping) cream
- 1 tablespoon seasoned salt
- 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
- 1 pound fresh cooked lump crab meat
- 16 jumbo crab claws (optional)
- 3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
- 3 tablespoons chopped green onions
For the white roux: Melt 2 cups of the butter in a medium saute pan. Add the flour and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, for 4 to 6 minutes.
Cook the corn in boiling salted water to cover until tender. Remove the corn with tongs and reserve half of the corn stock. Cut the kernels from the cobs.
Melt the remaining butter in a 4-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, peppers, celery, and garlic and saute for 1 minute. Add the shrimp stock or clam juice, wine, and thyme and bring to a boil. Add the roux and whisk until thickened. Add the cream and lower to heat to simmer while whisking. Add the seasoned salt, hot sauce, corn, and corn stock. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the crab meat, crab claws, parsley, and green onions. Simmer until heated through. Divide among 4 large shallow serving bowls.