Shrimp Bisque - Barefoot Contessa - Ina Garten

DIRECTIONS

• Place the shrimp shells and seafood stock in a saucepan and simmer for 15 minutes.
• Strain and reserve the stock.
• Add enough water to make 3 3/4 cups.
• Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven.
• Add the leeks and cook them for 10 minutes over medium-low heat, or until the leeks are tender but not browned.
• Add the garlic and cook 1 more minute.
• Add the cayenne pepper and shrimp and cook over medium to low heat for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Add the Cognac and cook for 1 minute, then the sherry and cook for 3 minutes longer.
• Transfer the shrimp and leeks to a food processor fitted with a steel blade and process until coarsely pureed.
• In the same pot, melt the butter.
• Add the flour and cook over medium-low heat for 1 minute, stirring with a wooden spoon.
• Add the half-and-half and cook, stirring with a whisk, until thickened, about 3 minutes.
• Stir in the pureed shrimp, the stock, tomato paste, salt, and pepper and heat gently until hot but not boiling.
• Season, to taste, and serve hot.