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1
Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in heavy large wide pot over medium-high heat.
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2
Add crab shells and saute until fragrant, about 10 minutes.
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3
Add 10 cups water and next 8 ingredients; bring to boil.
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4
Reduce heat to medium-low.
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5
Simmer until broth is reduced to 12 cups, about 30 minutes.
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6
Strain broth through sieve lined with cheesecloth.
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7
Cool.
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8
Spoon fat from top of broth.
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9
Char red bell peppers over gas flame or in broiler until blackened on all sides.
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10
Enclose in paper bag and let stand 10 minutes.
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11
Peel and seed peppers.
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12
Transfer peppers to blender.
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13
Add 2 tablespoons butter.
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14
Puree until mixture is smooth.
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15
Melt 3 tablespoons butter in heavy large pot over medium heat.
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16
Add flour and cook until mixture is golden brown, stirring occasionally, about 2 minutes.
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17
Gradually whisk in broth, then red pepper puree.
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18
Bring soup to boil.
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19
Simmer until flavors blend and soup thickens slightly, about 10 minutes.
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20
Season to taste with salt and pepper.
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21
(Soup can be made 1 day ahead.
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22
Cover and refrigerate.)
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23
Add reserved crabmeat and 1/2 cup chopped parsley to soup.
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24
Simmer just until crabmeat is heated through, about 2 minutes.
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25
Ladle soup into bowls.
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26
Spoon dollop of creme fraiche atop each.
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27
Garnish with parsley sprigs and serve.