Ah, New Orleans Shrimp and Corn Bisque! This jewel of a recipe has a special place in my heart (and stomach, let’s be honest). My earliest memories of this dish go way back to my college days when I spent a summer volunteering in Louisiana. The aroma of Cajun spices wafting through the air as I wandered the vibrant streets was intoxicating. One afternoon, a kind local invited me in for a bowl of bisque that had me weak in the knees. Since then, I’ve made it my mission to recreate that creamy, delicious comfort in my own kitchen, and boy, have I succeeded!
This bisque embodies all the wonders of Southern cuisine – rich shrimp, sweet corn, and smoky bacon all come together in perfect harmony. It’s the kind of dish that warms not just your belly but your soul too, making it perfect for gatherings with friends and family or when you just want to treat yourself to something special. Let’s dive in, shall we?
What’s in New Orleans Shrimp and Corn Bisque?
Let’s break down this beautiful list of ingredients, shall we?
Shrimp: Large, fresh shrimp are the star of the show! I love using wild-caught shrimp when I can—it’s tastier and more sustainable.
Bacon: Because everything’s better with bacon! The crunchy, smoky flavor it adds is simply irresistible.
Onion, Celery, Red Bell Pepper: This trinity of vegetables, often referred to as the “holy trinity” in Cajun and Creole cooking, forms the flavorful base of the bisque.
Garlic: A must-have for any worthy dish, garlic adds incredible depth and aroma!
Corn: Sweet corn brings a lovely texture and natural sweetness. Fresh is fantastic, but I often go with frozen for convenience.
Chicken Broth: A comforting base that helps to enhance the flavors of the bisque. Opt for low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake.
Heavy Cream: This is what gives the bisque its indulgent creaminess. Nothing beats that velvety texture!
Cajun Seasoning: For that authentic kick! You can make your own or buy a great blend—whatever floats your boat.
Fresh Parsley and Green Onions: These add a beautiful pop of color and freshness to finish off the dish.
Is New Orleans Shrimp and Corn Bisque Good for You?
Now, let’s chat about health benefits and considerations.
The core ingredients of this bisque come together to create a well-rounded dish.
Shrimp: These little guys are protein powerhouses and packed with important nutrients like selenium and vitamin B12.
Bacon: While delicious, it’s important to remember that bacon should be enjoyed in moderation. However, if you opt for turkey bacon, you can cut down on the fat!
Corn: This sweet vegetable provides fiber, which is fantastic for digestion, and it’s also rich in antioxidants.
Heavy Cream: Creaminess does come with calories, so if you’re looking for a lighter version, try substituting half-and-half or a plant-based cream!
All in all, while this bisque is certainly indulgent, you can balance it by serving it alongside a fresh salad or some crusty whole grain bread. It’s all about finding that yummy middle ground!
Ingredients
To serve 4-6 bowls of this delightful bisque, you will need:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 4 slices bacon, chopped
– 1 medium onion, finely diced
– 2 stalks celery, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
– 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil (if needed)
How to Make New Orleans Shrimp and Corn Bisque?
Ready to whip up this delicious bisque? Here’s how I do it:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Once crispy, remove the bacon and set it aside, making sure to leave the rendered fat in the pot. If there isn’t enough fat, add olive oil.
2. Add the diced onion, celery, and red bell pepper to the pot. Sauté these veggies for about 5 minutes until they soften up and become fragrant.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until the wonderful aroma fills your kitchen.
4. Toss in the corn and then pour the chicken broth into the pot. Bring this beautiful mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes so all those wonderful flavors become friends.
5. Now comes the fun part! Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it’s smooth. If you don’t have one, you can transfer it in batches to a regular blender. For a chunkier bisque, don’t blend all of it—reserve a bit for texture!
6. Return the bisque to the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Season it with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Let that simmer for another 5-10 minutes.
7. In the final minutes of cooking, add in the shrimp and cook until they turn opaque and are cooked through, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
8. Stir in the chopped parsley and reserved bacon. Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions. Trust me, you’re in for a treat!
Serve it Up Right!
Here are some tips to make your bisque even more fabulous:
– Pair your bisque with a side of crusty French bread or a simple green salad to balance the flavors.
– Want to spice things up? Add a few dashes of hot sauce to the bisque for an extra kick!
– This bisque freezes beautifully, so make a double batch and save some for a rainy day.
There you have it, my friends! This New Orleans Shrimp and Corn Bisque is a delicious exploration of flavors that will leave you feeling cozy and satisfied. I dare you to give it a go and fill your kitchen with those mouthwatering aromas! If you do try it, share your experience with me; I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Happy cooking! 🌽🍤
