Nordstrom's Crab Bisque

Crab Bisque

• 1 ½-2 lb dungeness crab legs (fully cooked)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 small yellow onion or 1/2 large one (chopped)
• 1 small shallot (chopped)
• 2 carrots (peeled & chopped)
• 2 celery ribs (chopped)
• 2-3 garlic cloves
• ⅓ cup all purpose flour
• 6 oz tomato paste
• ½ cup wine
• 12 oz clam juice
• 2 tsp fish sauce
• 2-4 squirts of tabasco
• ¼ cup bourbon
• pinch of chipotle powder
• salt and pepper to taste
• 6 cups water
• 1¼ cup heavy cream
• chives for topping

Toasties

• 12 Baguette slices
• Unsalted butter
• pinch oregano
• parmigiano reggiano
• pinch garlic salt

1. 1

   Separate the meat from the crab shells and set aside. Cut up the shells in small pieces.

2. 2

   Preheat a pot for 2 minutes. Add in 4 tbsp unsalted butter along with your mirepoix and shallot. Saute for about 5 minutes until veggies are softened. Add flour and garlic.

3. 3

   Cook together for 2-3 minutes. Add crab shells and cook together for 6-7 minutes.

4. 4

   Add tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Add wine, clam juice, fish sauce and water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 20-25 minutes.

5. 5

   Strain the veggies and shells. Reserve the liquid and return to the pot.

6. 6

   Blend the veggies and shells with a bit of the liquid from the pot.

7. 7

   Line a strainer with cheesecloth and put over a bowl to catch the liquid. Add in veggies and shells with the heavy cream and bourbon. Using the back of your spoon get as much of that liquid out. Squeeze as much out as you can with your hands.

8. 8

   Add the strained mixture to the pot, and add the tabasco, chipotle powder, salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a light simmer and let it go for 2-3 minutes. *see note*

9. 9

   Spread butter onto your baguette slices, sprinkle garlic salt, oregano and LOTS of parm. Bake at 350°F and bake for 15 minutes or until golden.

10. 10

    Add the crab to the bisque, reserving some for topping and let it warm through.

11. 11

    Serve with the toasties, chives, more crab on top and that is it!