Elegant Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Bisque
Indulge in this luxurious smoked salmon and cream cheese bisque, where silky smooth textures meet the rich, savory flavors of smoked salmon and fresh herbs. This dish elegantly combines the warmth of homemade comfort food and the sophistication of a gourmet starter, making it an excellent choice for both cozy family dinners and lavish dinner parties. The addition of aromatic garlic and a hint of Old Bay Seasoning elevate this bisque, while the creamy base provides a delightful experience for the palate. Inspired by a cherished family recipe, this bisque promises to be a showstopper at your next gathering. Enjoy it garnished with fresh chives and a slice of crusty bread for a truly memorable meal.
8
Servings
269
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
unsalted butter
6 tablespoons (melted)
yellow or white onions
1 1/2 cups (finely chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (crushed & finely minced)
fresh dill
3/4 cup (chopped)
Old Bay Seasoning
1 tablespoon (as desired)
ripe tomatoes
2 medium (seeded & chopped)
smoked salmon
8 ounces (finely chopped)
all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons (none)
water
8 cups (none)
fresh spinach
2 cups (stems removed & leaves finely chopped)
cream cheese
2 (8 ounce) packages (none, at room temperature)
vodka
1/3 cup (none)
fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons (none)
fresh ground black pepper
to taste (none)
snipped fresh chives
for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1
In a medium-sized stock pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic, and sauté until the onions are translucent and soft, about 10-15 minutes.
2
Stir in the freshly chopped dill, Old Bay Seasoning, chopped tomatoes, and finely chopped smoked salmon. Cook for about 3 minutes to combine the flavors.
3
Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour, stirring constantly for 1 minute to eliminate any raw flour taste.
4
Gradually pour in the water, stirring as you do. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
5
Add the chopped spinach to the pot and continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing it to wilt.
6
Lower the heat and incorporate the cream cheese into the soup one ounce at a time, stirring well after each addition until fully melted and the soup reaches a smooth consistency.
7
Once the cream cheese is fully incorporated and the soup is smooth, stir in the vodka and fresh lemon juice. Adjust the seasoning with fresh ground black pepper to taste. Serve the bisque piping hot, garnished with snipped fresh chives if desired.
Nutrition Information
19g
Fat
5g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of the Elegant Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Bisque?
This bisque features silky smooth textures with rich, savory flavors from smoked salmon, fresh herbs like dill, and aromatic garlic, elevated by a hint of Old Bay Seasoning.
How many servings does this bisque recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 8 people.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving of this bisque contains approximately 269 calories.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 15 grams of protein in every serving of the bisque.
What are the fat and carbohydrate counts for this dish?
Each serving contains 19 grams of fat and 5 grams of carbohydrates.
How long should I sauté the onions and garlic?
The finely chopped onions and minced garlic should be sautéed in melted butter for about 10-15 minutes until translucent and soft.
What kind of onions should I use for this recipe?
You can use either yellow or white onions, and you will need 1 1/2 cups finely chopped.
How much smoked salmon is required?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of smoked salmon, which should be finely chopped.
When should the fresh dill and Old Bay Seasoning be added?
Stir in the dill and Old Bay Seasoning after the onions and garlic have softened, along with the tomatoes and smoked salmon.
Why is all-purpose flour used in the bisque?
Two tablespoons of all-purpose flour are added and stirred for 1 minute to help thicken the soup and remove any raw flour taste.
How much liquid is needed for the soup base?
You need to gradually pour in 8 cups of water while stirring.
How long should the soup simmer after adding the water?
The mixture should simmer uncovered for 20 minutes once it has reached a gentle boil.
How is the spinach prepared and cooked?
Use 2 cups of fresh spinach with stems removed and leaves finely chopped; add it to the pot to simmer for an additional 5 minutes until wilted.
What is the best way to incorporate the cream cheese?
Lower the heat and add the cream cheese one ounce at a time, stirring well after each addition until it is fully melted and smooth.
Should the cream cheese be cold or at room temperature?
The cream cheese should be at room temperature to ensure it incorporates easily into the hot soup.
Is there alcohol in this bisque recipe?
Yes, 1/3 cup of vodka is stirred in at the end once the cream cheese is fully incorporated.
How is the final flavor balanced at the end of cooking?
The soup is finished with 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and fresh ground black pepper to taste.
What is the recommended garnish for this dish?
The bisque should be served piping hot and garnished with optional snipped fresh chives.
What should I serve with the bisque for a complete meal?
This dish is traditionally enjoyed with a slice of crusty bread.
How many garlic cloves does the recipe require?
You will need 2 garlic cloves, which should be crushed and finely minced.
Can I use salted butter for this recipe?
The recipe specifies 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter to better control the salt levels of the dish.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
You should use 2 medium ripe tomatoes that have been seeded and chopped.
What type of seasoning is Old Bay?
Old Bay is a classic blend of herbs and spices often used for seafood, providing a savory depth to the bisque.
Is this bisque suitable for a formal dinner party?
Yes, its sophisticated profile and luxurious texture make it an excellent gourmet starter for lavish gatherings.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 15 distinct ingredients used in this recipe.
What kind of pot is best for making this soup?
A medium-sized stock pot is recommended for cooking this bisque.
How much fresh dill is used?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of chopped fresh dill.
How much cream cheese in total is needed?
You will need two 8-ounce packages of cream cheese, totaling 16 ounces.
Can the vodka be omitted?
While the recipe includes 1/3 cup of vodka for depth, it can be omitted if you prefer an alcohol-free version.
Does the recipe include any dietary fiber or sugar information?
The provided nutritional data shows fiber and sugar as null or not specified.