Let's Talk with Nancy J. Cohen
Happy National Seafood Bisque Day!
October 19, 2023
Anytime there’s mention of food, I’m your gal. But what is a bisque? And how is it different from chowder?
Both variations have their origins in French fishing villages. From what I’ve read, bisque is made from pureed shellfish. This can be crab, lobster, crayfish, or shrimp. Vegetables may be added, like carrots, celery, and onions along with white wine and heavy cream. The cream content here is higher than for chowders. As for a thickening agent, this might be shellfish shells ground into a fine paste, a roux, or rice that is strained out at the end. Bisques are smooth soups and can be made entirely with vegetables such as roasted tomatoes or butternut squash.
Chowders, on the other hand, are chunkier with pieces of diced or chopped meat such as clams or fish. These soups also include milk or heavy cream. Chowders get their thickness mostly from vegetables such as potatoes. A chowder can also be made without seafood, such as corn or potato chowder. Some chowders, like Manhattan clam chowder, use a red tomato-based broth.
Cooking methods differ as well. To make chowder, you can toss all the ingredients into a pot. Bisques require more work, with the seafood being cooked twice, the thickening agent being added, and then the soup being pureed or strained for a smooth consistency. Garnishes are fancier for a bisque as well, making it an appealing choice in an upscale restaurant.
What’s your favorite type of seafood bisque or chowder?
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Posted in Let's Talk, with Nancy J. Cohen • Tags: Happy National Seafood Bisque Day, Haunted Hair Nights, Let's Talk, Nancy J Cohen | 47 Comments
My favorite chowder is a New England Clam Chowder.
Same here! That’s my favorite, too.
I love white clam chowder and lobster bisque.
I like those both, too.
I’m a New England girl and I don’t like most seafood or chowders. Thank you for this chance at your giveaway. pgenest57 at aol dot com
It’s unusual for you to not like chowders being where you’re from. New England Clam Chowder is my favorite.
New England clam Chowder.
My favorite as well.
My personal favorite is Lobster Bisque. I love the smooth, velvety texture of it,
This one is a good choice, especially in fancier restaurants. That makes it extra special.
Nancy, you made me hungry just reading this! I love any and all soups/bisques/chowders…the more stuff in it, the better. Yum!
Yes, soups/chowders/bisques are especially welcome in cooler weather.
I have never tried a seafood chowder or bisque Thank you deborahortega229@yahoo.com
Thanks for stopping by!
I like both lobster bisque and crawfish bisque. Yum! And New England chowder.
I agree on two out of three. I’m not a crawfish fan.
I love New England clam chowder.
So do I. That’s my favorite.
I love clam chowder when it gets chilly.
Yes, definitely a hearty chowder is welcome on a cool day.
New England or corn chowder, please
I’ve never tried corn chowder. I’ll have to make that one someday.
I love lobster and crab bisque.
They both sound good.
Love Lobster Bisque as do many of your other commenters. This isn’t really a Bisque I don’t think, but Savannah’s She Crab Soup with a touch of Sherry added at the table is fantastic.
That sounds interesting. I haven’t heard of it before. Southern cooking is a specialty in itself.
I’m not a chowder eater, never had seafood till I got much older, I do like catfish, and salmon.
Salmon is my favorite.
Love fish chowder.
I like New England Clam Chowder but would be wary about what’s in fish chowder. Is it similar?
I love New England Clam Chowder
My favorite too.
My favorites are New England Clam Chowder, Lobster Bisque, and corn chowder. Yummy!
Nice choices for a chilly day!
Lobster or crab bisque!
I’ve never had crab bisque. Will have to try it one of these days.
I’m not a big fan of seafood chowder or bisque. I do like seafood, but not in bisque or chowder form.
I suppose it can be an acquired taste. I’m not fond of gumbos either.
My favorite is New England Clam Chowder. I also make a Shrimp and Corn Chowder that we really like!
Shrimp and corn chowder sounds delish!
I tried some Lobster Bisque in Maine, it was so good! I also like New England Clam Chowder.
I like both of those, too. Good choices.
I love crab stew. We make it with fresh blue crabs, and it is delicious!
I’ve never had crab stew. I do like crab cakes, however.
I enjoy clam chowder!
Me too, Linda!
I enjoy clam chowder. I also like seafood bisque. Thank you for sharing. God bless you.