Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a bowl of Cajun Pumpkin Bisque with Shrimp! This delightful fusion of flavors combines the creamy richness of pumpkin with the spicy kick of Cajun seasoning, making it the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly day. With just 40 minutes from prep to table, this recipe is not only quick but also impressively delicious, ensuring you'll be the star of your next dinner gathering. Dive into this culinary adventure and discover how to create a bisque that’s as comforting as it is exciting—your family and friends will be begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Cajun
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Stir in the pumpkin puree, ensuring it is well combined with the sautéed onions and garlic.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat.
- Add the Cajun seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the bisque to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the bisque is simmering, prepare the shrimp. In a separate skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp, seasoning them lightly with salt and pepper.
- Cook the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Once the bisque has simmered and the flavors have melded together, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend until smooth. Return the bisque to the pot.
- Gently fold the cooked shrimp into the bisque, allowing them to heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Serve the Cajun pumpkin bisque hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
Tips
- Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh shrimp instead of frozen. If fresh shrimp is unavailable, ensure that the frozen shrimp are completely thawed before cooking.
- Customize the Spice: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your spice tolerance. Start with less if you're unsure, and you can always add more to taste as it simmers.
- Blend to Perfection: For an ultra-smooth texture, make sure to blend the bisque thoroughly. If you don’t have an immersion blender, allow the soup to cool slightly before transferring it to a regular blender in batches.
- Garnish for Flair: Don’t skip the fresh parsley garnish! It adds a burst of color and freshness that elevates the dish’s presentation and flavor.
- Make it Ahead: This bisque can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days. Just reheat gently on the stove before serving, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 150mg
