Makes 6 1/2 cups, 4 servings
Hands-On Time: 20 minutes
Total Preparation Time: 30 minutes
1/4 cup Garlic Croutons (recipe follows, add preparation time) or store-bought garlic-flavored croutons
6-inch piece seedless (English) cucumber
1 large green bell pepper
1 garlic clove
3 cups canned tomato-clam juice, chilled
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon Tabasco
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 pound cooked, shelled, and de-veined medium shrimp
1/2 pound lump crabmeat
Make the Garlic Croutons. Coarsely chop enough of the cucumber with the skin left on, and the bell pepper, to make 1/2 cup of each. Finely chop the rest (about 1 cup each.) Smash the garlic and remove the skin.
Combine 1 cup tomato-clam juice, the coarsely chopped cucumber and bell pepper, the lemon juice, olive oil, vinegar, sugar, garlic, and hot sauce in a blender. Blend until the vegetables are pureed. Stir in the remaining 2 cups tomato-clam juice. Add 1 teaspoon salt and black pepper to taste.
Quarter the shrimp crosswise. Combine the tomato mixture, shrimp, crabmeat, and the remaining cucumber and bell pepper in a glass or metal bowl. Set the bowl into a bowl of ice and water for 10 minutes to chill the soup.
To serve, divide the chilled soup among 4 large chilled seafood cocktail glasses or soup plates and top with the croutons.
Garlic Croutons
Makes 1 1/2 cups
Hands-on time: 10 minutes
Total preparation time: 25 to 30 minutes
Preheat the oven to 300˚ F. Trim the crusts from 2 slices firm white bread (about 3 ounces) and cut the bread into 3/4-inch squares. Combine 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 2 pressed garlic cloves (about 2 teaspoons), 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika, and 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt in a small bowl. Add the bread and toss until the pieces are evenly coated. Spread out the croutons on a large, ungreased rimmed baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the bread squares are crisp and beginning to brown. Let cool.
