Creamy Lobster Bisque Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cooked lobster (about 1 1/2 pounds), meat removed and shell reserved
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/4 cup brandy
• 4 cups seafood or fish stock
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh chives for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the lobster by removing the meat and reserving the shells. Chop the meat into bite-sized pieces and set it aside.
Step 2: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once the butter is foamy, add the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes.
Step 4: Add the brandy and let it simmer until nearly evaporated.
Step 5: Place the reserved lobster shells into the pot and pour in the seafood stock. Add the bay leaf and thyme leaves.
Step 6: Bring the mixture to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer gently for 30 minutes. Skim any foam that rises to the surface.
Step 7: Remove the pot from the heat and strain the broth, discarding the solids, including the shell pieces. Return the broth to the pot.
Step 8: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and 1/4 cup of the broth until smooth. Stir this mixture back into the pot.
Step 9: Bring the broth to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 10 minutes.
Step 10: Stir in the heavy cream and cook for another 5 minutes.
Step 11: Add the reserved lobster meat to the pot and simmer until heated through, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 12: Serve the bisque hot, garnished with chopped chives.

Equipment and Tools

• Large pot
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Lobster cracker (if preparing lobster from scratch)
• Fine-mesh strainer
• Whisk

Preparation

Gather all the ingredients and measure them out before you start cooking. If your lobster is uncooked, prepare it by boiling or steaming it beforehand. Once cooked, remove the meat and set aside, keeping the shells for the broth.

Cooking Process

Follow the instructions carefully, particularly when simmering the shells to extract the maximum flavor for your broth. Cooking times may vary slightly based on the intensity of heat and the size of the lobster pieces. A fine-mesh strainer is essential to ensure a smooth consistency in the final bisque.

Tips and Tricks

For a richer flavor, roast the lobster shells in the oven before adding them to the pot.
Use fresh herbs if possible, as they will impart a more vibrant taste to the bisque.
For a bit more texture, reserve some lobster chunks to add as a garnish on top of the bisque at serving time.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 310
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Protein: 20g

Introduction:

Indulge in a touch of elegance with our Creamy Lobster Bisque recipe. A luxurious blend of succulent lobster, aromatic vegetables, and a decadent cream broth makes this soup a gourmet treat for any occasion. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself to a sumptuous meal, this bisque is sure to delight.

Conclusion:

Savor the rich and creamy indulgence of homemade lobster bisque, a dish that celebrates the essence of gourmet seafood cooking. With its robust flavors and velvety texture, this bisque is a testament to the art of fine cuisine. Serve it on special occasions or whenever you desire a spoonful of luxury, and let the exquisite taste of lobster elevate your dining experience.