Ina Garten'S Shrimp Bisque

1. 1

   Place the shrimp shells and seafood stock in a large saucepan. Simmer for 15 minutes. Strain and reserve the stock, adding enough water to make a total of 3 3/4 cups.

2. 2

   Heat a small saucepan or grill pan over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and saute the 6 garnish shrimp until cooked through with a golden edge. Set aside.

3. 3

   Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the chopped leeks and cook them for 10 minutes over medium-low heat, or until the leeks are tender but not browned. Add the chopped garlic and cook 1 more minute. Add the cayenne pepper & shrimp. Cook over medium to low heat for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. 4

   Add the brandy or cognac and cook for 1 minute, then the dry sherry or Madeira wine and cook for 3 minutes longer.

5. 5

   Transfer the shrimp and leeks to the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade and process until coarsely pureed. Alternately, transfer the shrimp and leeks to a deep bowl and roughly blend with an immersion blender. Set aside.

6. 6

   Using the same pot or dutch oven, melt the butter. Add the flour and cook over medium-low heat for 1 minute, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. Add the half-and-half and cook, stirring constantly with a whisk, until thickened, about 3 minutes.

7. 7

   Stir in the pureed shrimp, the stock, tomato paste, salt & pepper and heat gently until hot but not boiling. Season to taste. Serve immediately garnished with fresh parsley, a sprinkling of fresh ground pepper and 1 grilled shrimp.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.