Lobster Bisque

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  • 6

Ingredients

  • Two 2-pound lobsters, steamed
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup dry sherry
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery
  • 3 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • Kosher salt
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped carrot
  • 1/2 cup chopped button mushrooms
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 3/4 cup whole milk
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

Preparation

Step 1

Twist off the claws and tails from the lobsters. Remove the meat, discarding the green tomalley and reserving the shells. Coarsely chop the meat to measure about 2 1/2 cups, and transfer to a bowl; cover and chill.

Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a Dutch oven over medium. Add the lobster shells, and cook, stirring often, until lightly browned, about 8 minutes. Stir in the sherry, and cook until the liquid is nearly evaporated, about 2 minutes. Add the celery, garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns, 4 cups water and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Increase the heat to high, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer until reduced to about 2 1/2 cups, about 15 minutes. Pour through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl; discard the solids. Set aside.

Meanwhile, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a medium skillet over medium. Add the onions, carrots, mushrooms, tomato paste, cayenne and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Add the wine and bring to a boil over medium-high. Reduce the heat to medium-low, add the reserved lobster stock and simmer until reduced to about 2 cups, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat.

Puree the mixture with an immersion blender until smooth. Place over medium heat, stir in the milk and cream, and bring to a simmer. Add the lobster meat, reserving 1/4 cup for garnish.

To serve, ladle the bisque into bowls and top with the reserved lobster meat and chives.