Creamy Scallop Bisque

Indulge your taste buds with the luxurious Creamy Scallop Bisque, where a rich broth accentuates the natural sweetness of scallops, while chorizo introduces a delightful spicy contrast. This elegant soup is a perfect choice to grace your dinner party menu as a captivating first course, leaving a lasting impression on your guests.

SERVES 4
PREP 20 MIN
COOK 40 MIN
FREEZE NOT SUITABLE

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 cups (700ml) water
• 1¼ cups (300ml) dry white wine
• 1 tbsp (15g) butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 small shallot, very finely chopped
• 1 medium-sized ripe tomato, chopped
• 7oz (200g) shrimp, shelled
• 3½oz (100g) cod or pollock, skinned and cut into chunks
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• 2 tsp dill seeds
• 3 tbsp brandy
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• ½ cup (100ml) light cream
• 2½oz (75g) chorizo, diced
• 12 small scallops (or 6 large)
• 1 tbsp finely chopped chives, to finish

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prepare the Broth: In a large pot, bring the water and dry white wine to a boil. Meanwhile, in a sauté pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the finely chopped onion and shallot and sauté until they turn golden in color. Add the chopped tomato, shrimp, chunks of fish, parsley, and dill seeds. Stir well and cook for about 5 minutes.Pour in the brandy and cook for an additional minute to enhance the flavors. Finally, pour the wine mixture into the sauté pan, and season the mixture lightly with salt and pepper. Reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly. Using the back of a spoon, mash down the soup ingredients.
2. Blend and Strain: Transfer the partially cooled soup to a blender and puree until smooth. Strain the puree through a sieve back into the pot. Stir in the hot cream and return the pot to a simmer. Remove from heat, and carefully adjust the seasoning to your taste. Cover and keep the bisque warm.
3. Prepare the Chorizo and Scallops: In a nonstick frying pan over medium heat, add the diced chorizo and cook for 3–5 minutes until it’s cooked through and becomes crispy. Transfer the chorizo to a plate lined with paper towels to drain and keep warm.
4. In the same pan, add the scallops. Cook for 2 minutes, then flip them over and cook for an additional minute until they are nicely seared and tender.
5. Serve in Style: Ladle the creamy scallop bisque into four bowls. Place the seared scallops on top of the bisque. Scatter the crispy chorizo and finely chopped chives over the soup for added flavor and presentation. Serve immediately to delight your guests.

This Creamy Scallop Bisque is a culinary masterpiece that combines contrasting textures and flavors, making it an exquisite addition to any dinner party menu. Your guests will savor every spoonful of this elegant soup.