Description

Pumpkin Shrimp Bisque is a rich and comforting soup that blends sweet pumpkin puree with a deeply flavored shrimp stock and tender sautéed shrimp. This recipe focuses on building layers of flavor using toasted shrimp shells, aromatic vegetables, saffron, and fresh sage. The result is a smooth, creamy bisque that feels elegant yet approachable, perfect for a satisfying lunch or a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

Olive oil for cooking

Shells and tails from large shrimp

White grape juice for deglazing

High quality chicken stock

Saffron threads

Celery stalks roughly chopped

Large onion roughly chopped

Bay leaves

Fresh sage sprigs

Pumpkin puree

Half and half

Kosher salt

Cayenne pepper

Fresh lemon juice

Coconut aminos

Large shrimp peeled and deveined

Fresh sage finely chopped

Fresh kale shredded

Roasted pumpkin seeds

Toasted bread or crackers for serving

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a heavy saucepan until shimmering then add shrimp shells and tails and cook while stirring until deeply colored and fragrant

2. Add white grape juice to the pan and allow it to bubble while scraping the bottom until reduced and concentrated

3. Pour in chicken stock and add saffron celery onion bay leaves and sage then bring to a gentle boil and reduce to a slow simmer

4. Simmer the stock partially covered allowing the flavors to infuse fully

5. Strain the stock pressing the solids well and discard the solids then return the liquid to the pot

6. Whisk in pumpkin puree half and half salt and cayenne until smooth and gently simmer

7. Stir in lemon juice and coconut aminos and adjust seasoning to taste

8. Heat olive oil in a sauté pan and cook shrimp with chopped sage until just opaque

9. Place shrimp into serving bowls and ladle hot bisque over the top

10. Finish with shredded kale roasted pumpkin seeds and serve with bread or crackers

Notes

Toasting the shrimp shells is essential for deep seafood flavor and should not be skipped

Pumpkin puree thickness can vary so adjust consistency with extra stock if needed

Cook shrimp separately to maintain a tender texture and avoid overcooking

The bisque base can be made ahead and gently reheated before serving

Seasoning should always be adjusted at the end since pumpkin sweetness varies

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American