Delta Bisque

Delta Bisque Recipe - A Delicious USA Catfish Dish

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Delta Bisque is a creamy and flavorful soup that originated in the southern United States. This rich and comforting dish is perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion.

History

Delta Bisque has its roots in the Mississippi Delta region, where catfish is a popular ingredient in many dishes. This recipe combines the rich flavors of catfish with a creamy base to create a delicious and satisfying soup.

Ingredients

0.33 cup + 1 tbsp of butter
3 green onions, chopped
2 celery ribs, finely chopped
0.33 cup of all-purpose flour
2 U.S. farm-raised catfish fillets, cut into 1 inch pieces
4 cups of milk
1 cup of heavy cream
1 tsp of tabasco sauce
1 tbsp of chopped fresh parsley
1 bay leaf
1 tbsp of chopped fresh chives
1 tsp of salt

How to prepare

Melt 1 tbsp of butter in a Dutch oven or a large, heavy saucepan over medium-low heat.
Add green onions, celery, and catfish fillet pieces and sauté for 3 or 4 minutes without browning.
Remove catfish and vegetables from the pan.
Add the remaining 0.33 cup of butter to the pan and cook over medium heat until melted.
Add the flour and stir for 2 to 3 minutes.
Gradually stir in the milk and cream, stirring well after each addition.
Cook, stirring constantly until thickened.
Add the catfish and vegetables.
Stir in the Tabasco sauce, parsley, bay leaf, chives, and salt.
Simmer for 15 minutes and serve.
The bisque can be refrigerated, covered, for up to 3 days.

Variations

Substitute shrimp or crab for the catfish for a different flavor profile.
Add diced tomatoes or corn for a pop of color and sweetness.
Use coconut milk instead of cream for a dairy-free version of the bisque.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to sauté the catfish and vegetables without browning to maintain the delicate flavors of the dish.

- Gradually adding the milk and cream while stirring constantly will help prevent lumps from forming in the bisque.

- Simmering the bisque for 15 minutes allows the flavors to meld together and develop a rich and creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Delta Bisque with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the catfish and vegetables before adding them to the bisque helps develop their flavors.

- Gradually adding the milk and cream while stirring constantly helps create a smooth and creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth instead of milk for a lighter version of the bisque.

- Substitute gluten-free flour for the all-purpose flour to make the dish gluten-free.

Make Ahead Tips

Delta Bisque can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Delta Bisque with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Delta Bisque with a crisp white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the rich flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Delta Bisque in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Delta Bisque contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Delta Bisque contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Delta Bisque contains approximately 25 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Delta Bisque contains approximately 10 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Delta Bisque is a good source of vitamin A, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

Delta Bisque contains dairy (butter, milk, cream) and fish (catfish).

Summary

Delta Bisque is a rich and creamy soup that is high in fats and calories, but also provides essential nutrients like protein and vitamins.

Summary

Delta Bisque is a delicious and comforting soup that combines the flavors of catfish with a creamy base. This rich and flavorful dish is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a hot summer day in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, and I was visiting my dear friend, Ms. Mary, who was known far and wide for her delicious cooking. As I sat in her cozy kitchen, sipping on sweet tea and chatting away, I couldn't help but notice the tantalizing aroma wafting from the stove.

"What are you cooking, Mary?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

"Oh, just a little something I whipped up," she replied with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "It's a family recipe for Delta Bisque."

I had never heard of Delta Bisque before, but the name alone sounded intriguing. As I watched Mary work her magic in the kitchen, I knew I had to learn how to make this dish myself. The rich blend of flavors and the creamy texture had me hooked from the very first bite.

Over the years, I have collected countless recipes from friends, family, and even strangers I met along the way. Each one has its own story, its own history, and its own special place in my heart. But there was something about Delta Bisque that stood out to me. Perhaps it was the way it brought back memories of lazy summer days spent in the Delta, or the way it warmed my soul on chilly winter nights.

I begged Mary to share her recipe with me, and after much cajoling and pleading, she finally relented. She sat me down at her kitchen table, handed me a worn recipe card, and began to walk me through the steps.

"First, you start with a roux," she explained, as she measured out flour and butter with practiced ease. "It's the key to building flavor and thickening the soup."

As I watched her stir the roux until it turned a rich golden brown, I couldn't help but marvel at her skill. She moved with such grace and confidence, as if she had been making Delta Bisque her entire life.

Next came the vegetables – onions, bell peppers, and celery – all finely chopped and sautéed until they were soft and fragrant. The kitchen filled with the heady scent of garlic and spices, and my mouth watered in anticipation.

"Add in the broth and the tomatoes," Mary instructed, as she poured in the ingredients with precision. "Let it simmer for a while to let the flavors meld together."

I sat back and watched as the soup bubbled away on the stove, filling the room with warmth and comfort. There was something almost magical about the way the ingredients came together, transforming into something greater than the sum of its parts.

Finally, it was time to add in the shrimp – plump, juicy, and bursting with flavor. Mary tossed them in with a flourish, stirring them gently into the soup until they turned a delicate shade of pink.

"Last but not least, a splash of cream to finish it off," she said, as she poured in the final ingredient with a smile. "And there you have it – Delta Bisque."

I couldn't wait to dig in, my mouth watering at the thought of tasting the finished dish. Mary ladled out steaming bowls of soup, garnishing them with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a dash of hot sauce. I took a tentative sip, and my taste buds exploded with delight.

The soup was a symphony of flavors – rich and creamy, with a hint of spice and a touch of sweetness. The shrimp were tender and succulent, perfectly complemented by the tangy tomatoes and the earthy undertones of the vegetables. It was a dish unlike any I had ever tasted before, and I knew in that moment that Delta Bisque would become a staple in my own kitchen.

As I sat at Mary's table, savoring every spoonful of soup, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the friends and family who had shared their recipes with me over the years. Each one was a piece of their history, a part of their story, and a gift from their heart to mine.

And so, armed with Mary's recipe for Delta Bisque, I returned home with a full heart and a full belly, ready to share this delicious dish with my own loved ones. For in the end, it is the simple act of cooking and sharing a meal that brings us together, creating memories that last a lifetime. And I, for one, am grateful for each and every recipe that has crossed my path, enriching my life in ways I never could have imagined.