Pandan Infused Chilled Coconut Crab Bisque with Roti Gremolata

A refreshing take on classic crab bisque, this chilled soup is infused with fragrant pandan and creamy coconut milk, creating a uniquely Singaporean flavor profile. The vibrant roti gremolata adds a delightful textural contrast and herbaceous burst, elevating the soup to a sophisticated culinary experience.

Prep Time

20 minutes

Total Time

60 minutes

Calories

485

Level

Medium

Yields

4 servings

Cost

S$5.27

Season:

☀️ Summer•tropical•monsoon-comfort

Meal Type:

Cuisine:

Main Ingredient:

Mood:

Ingredients

Servings

200gFresh Crab Meat (cooked, picked)(Use good quality crab meat, preferably flower crab.)

S$12.00

From crabs yielding 200g meatshellsCrab Shells(Cleaned thoroughly)

4leavesPandan Leaves(Knotted for easy removal)

S$2.50

400mlCoconut Milk (full fat)(Provides richness and creaminess)

S$1.50

500mlVegetable Broth(Low sodium preferred)

S$0.60

2mediumShallots(Finely chopped)

S$0.50

2clovesGarlic(Minced)

S$0.15

1inchGinger(Peeled and grated)

S$0.30

1stalkLemongrass(Bruised)

S$0.40

1tbspFish Sauce(Adds umami)

S$0.20

1tbspLime Juice(Freshly squeezed)

S$0.10

1tspSugar(Adjust to taste)

S$0.01

2tbspOlive Oil(For sauteing)

S$0.15

To tastetspSalt(Sea salt preferred)

To tastetspBlack Pepper(Freshly ground)

2piecesRoti Prata (plain)(Frozen or fresh)

S$2.00

0.3cupFresh Cilantro(Chopped finely)

S$0.50

1smallGreen Chilies(Finely chopped, seeds removed for less heat (optional))

S$0.10

1tspLime Zest(From one lime)

S$0.05

Total Cost

S$21.06

S$5.27 per serving

The Method

1
Prepare the Crab Broth: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the cleaned crab shells on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes until fragrant and slightly browned. This intensifies the crab flavor.
2
Sauté Aromatics: While the shells roast, heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add shallots, garlic, ginger, and bruised lemongrass. Sauté until fragrant and softened, about 5 minutes. The aroma should fill your kitchen.
3
Combine and Simmer: Add the roasted crab shells, vegetable broth, and knotted pandan leaves to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes to extract the flavors from the shells and pandan. The broth will turn a beautiful orange hue.
4
Strain and Cool: Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding the solids. Allow the broth to cool slightly before adding the coconut milk. Stir well to combine.
5
Blend and Season: Gently stir in the cooked crab meat. Transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Be careful when blending hot liquids, starting at a low speed. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the pot. Season with fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning to your preference.
6
Chill: Cover the bisque and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the soup to chill completely. This is crucial for the refreshing chilled effect.
7
Prepare Roti Gremolata: While the bisque chills, prepare the roti gremolata. Toast the roti prata in a toaster oven or pan-fry until golden brown and crispy. Allow to cool slightly, then roughly chop into small pieces.
8
Combine Gremolata Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the chopped crispy roti prata, finely chopped cilantro, green chilies (if using), and lime zest. Mix well.
9
Serve: Ladle the chilled pandan infused coconut crab bisque into bowls. Top generously with the roti gremolata for added texture and freshness.
10
Garnish: Optionally garnish with a sprig of cilantro or a drizzle of coconut cream for an extra touch of elegance.

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My Notes

Nutrition Information

Nutrition per serving (375g)

485 kcal / 2029 kJ

Carbs

25g

10% of RDA

Fat

35g

50% of RDA

Protein

22g

44% of RDA

Detailed Breakdown

Fibre

3 g

10% of RDA

Sugar

8 g

9% of RDA

Sodium

850 mg

37% of RDA

Saturated Fat

25 g

125% of RDA

Chef's Tips

Chef tip 1: For a richer flavor, substitute some of the vegetable broth with shrimp stock. Remember to adjust the sodium content accordingly.

Chef tip 2: The roti gremolata can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container to maintain its crispness. Add it to the soup just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.

Cooking Equipment

Oven

Stove

Blender

Wine Pairings

No wine pairing suggestions available for this recipe.