Spiced seafood bisque with sesame prawn croutons

This spiced seafood bisque is a luxurious and flavorful dish, infused with aromatic spices and packed with rich seafood flavors. The sesame prawn croutons add a delightful crunch and a touch of elegance, making it a perfect starter or main course for special occasions.

Ingredients

For the Spiced Seafood Bisque:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 500g mixed seafood (shrimp, crab, mussels, etc.), shells reserved if possible
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 liter fish or seafood stock
• 200ml heavy cream
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

For the Sesame Prawn Croutons:

• 200g raw prawns, peeled and deveined
• 1 egg white
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds
• 4 slices of crusty bread, cut into small squares
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Directions

1. Prepare the Bisque Base:
   • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, carrot, and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
   • Stir in the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and tomato paste, cooking for another 2 minutes.
2. Add Seafood and Stock:
   • Add the mixed seafood (reserve a few pieces for garnish if desired) and cook for 3–4 minutes. Pour in the white wine, stirring to deglaze the pot.
   • Add the fish stock and bay leaf, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Blend and Strain:
   • Remove the bay leaf. Use an immersion blender to puree the bisque until smooth, or transfer it to a blender in batches.
   • Strain the soup through a fine mesh sieve into a clean pot, pressing to extract all the liquid. Discard the solids.
4. Finish the Bisque:
   • Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Keep the bisque warm over low heat.
5. Make the Sesame Prawn Croutons:
   • In a food processor, blend the raw prawns, egg white, and soy sauce into a smooth paste.
   • Spread the prawn mixture onto the squares of bread, pressing gently. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
   • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the croutons, prawn side down, for 2–3 minutes until golden and crisp. Flip and cook the other side briefly.
6. Assemble and Serve:
   • Ladle the bisque into bowls. Top each bowl with a few sesame prawn croutons and garnish with fresh parsley.
   • Serve hot, accompanied by extra crusty bread if desired.

Enjoy this luxurious bisque as a show-stopping dish to impress your guests or indulge in a cozy night at home!