Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Creamy Ranch Shrimp Bisque?
It is a rich and velvety seafood soup featuring succulent shrimp, vibrant vegetables, aromatic herbs, and tangy Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing.
What are the primary ingredients in this shrimp bisque?
The main ingredients include medium shrimp, olive oil, butter, shallots, celery, baby carrots, sherry wine, seafood stock, heavy cream, milk, and Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing.
How many calories are in a serving of this bisque?
Each serving contains approximately 416 calories.
What is the fat content of the Decadent Creamy Ranch Shrimp Bisque?
This recipe contains 30g of fat per serving.
How much protein does this bisque provide?
There are 25g of protein in each serving of this dish.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
The bisque contains 20g of carbohydrates per serving.
Should I save the shrimp shells?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for the shrimp shells to be reserved and cooked with the vegetables to build deep flavor.
What type of ranch dressing is recommended?
The recipe recommends using Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing for both the base and the garnish.
How long does the bisque need to simmer?
The mixture should simmer for 40-45 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the liquid to thicken.
What kind of alcohol is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of sherry wine which is carefully ignited to enhance the flavor profile.
How do you thicken the bisque?
The bisque is thickened using a combination of all-purpose flour, heavy cream, milk, and a long simmering process.
Is this bisque spicy?
It has a slight touch of heat provided by 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
What vegetables are included in the base?
The base includes minced shallots, celery chunks, and baby carrots.
Why is the bisque strained?
The bisque is strained after simmering to remove the shrimp shells, vegetable chunks, and whole herbs, resulting in a smooth, velvety texture.
When should I add the shrimp meat?
The medium shrimp should be chopped into small pieces and added to the strained bisque at the very end, cooking for about 3 minutes.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses chopped parsley, dried thyme, and bay leaves for aromatic depth.
What is the purpose of the lemon zest?
Two slices of lemon zest are added during the initial cooking phase to provide a bright, citrusy note to the seafood base.
What are the suggested garnishes?
The dish is garnished with a drizzle of Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing and snipped fresh chives.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
The recipe consists of 21 individual ingredients.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
It is recommended to serve the bisque in bowls with crusty bread on the side.
Can I use seafood stock for this bisque?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1.5 cups of seafood stock.
How long do the vegetables and shells need to cook initially?
They should be cooked for 10-12 minutes until the shells turn red and the vegetables are tender.
What is the role of tomato paste in this bisque?
Two tablespoons of tomato paste are used to add richness and color to the soup base.
Is this a good recipe for a weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is described as a comforting and delightful meal perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
How do you prepare the shallots?
The recipe calls for one large shallot to be minced.
What fat is used to start the soup?
The recipe begins by warming olive oil and melting 1/2 cup of butter in a large pot.
Does the recipe use fresh pepper?
Yes, it specifies using fresh ground pepper to taste.
What size should the shrimp be?
The recipe specifies using 1.5 lbs of medium shrimp.
How many bay leaves are required?
Two bay leaves are used to season the bisque during the simmering phase.
How do I handle the sherry wine?
Pour the sherry into the pot off the heat, then carefully ignite it with a wand lighter and wait for the flame to subside before returning to the heat.