Here’s a classic recipe for Lobster Bisque:
Ingredients:
- 2 lobsters (around 1 1/2 to 2 pounds each)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup brandy or dry sherry
- 4 cups fish or lobster stock (you can substitute with chicken or vegetable stock if needed)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped chives or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Lobsters:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop the lobsters into the boiling water and cook for about 8-10 minutes until they turn bright red.
- Remove the lobsters from the pot and let them cool. Once they are cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the claws, tail, and body. Set aside the meat and reserve the shells.
- Make the Bisque Base:
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add the brandy or sherry to the pot and let it simmer for a minute or two, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Add the lobster shells to the pot and pour in the fish or lobster stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Blend the Bisque:
- Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth. Be cautious when blending hot liquids.
- Strain the bisque through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing on the solids to extract as much flavor as possible. Discard the solids.
- Finish the Bisque:
- Return the strained bisque to the pot and stir in the heavy cream. Heat the bisque gently over low heat, being careful not to let it boil.
- Chop the reserved lobster meat into bite-sized pieces and add it to the bisque. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the lobster is heated through.
- Season the bisque with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Ladle the hot bisque into bowls and garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired. Serve immediately with crusty bread or oyster crackers on the side.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Lobster Bisque!
