Lobster Bisque

Lobster Bisque

Ingredients:

– 2 lobster tails (or 1 whole lobster)
– 4 tablespoons butter
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, finely chopped
– 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup dry white wine
– 4 cups seafood stock (or chicken stock)
– 1 bay leaf
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh chives or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. **Cook the Lobster:**
– If using whole lobster, steam or boil the lobster until cooked through. Remove the meat from the shell, chop it into bite-sized pieces, and set aside. Reserve the shells for the broth.
– If using lobster tails, boil or steam the tails until the meat is opaque. Remove the meat, chop, and set aside.

2. **Make the Base:**
– In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
– Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
– Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

3. **Add Tomato Paste and Flour:**
– Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes to deepen the flavor.
– Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat. Cook for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.

4. **Deglaze with Wine:**
– Pour in the white wine, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Cook until the wine is mostly evaporated, about 2-3 minutes.

5. **Make the Bisque:**
– Add the seafood stock, bay leaf, and lobster shells (if using).
– Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.

6. **Strain the Bisque:**
– Remove the lobster shells and bay leaf.
– Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you prefer a very smooth bisque, strain the soup through a fine sieve.

7. **Finish the Soup:**
– Stir in the heavy cream and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
– Add the chopped lobster meat back into the soup and simmer until heated through.

8. **Serve:**
– Ladle the bisque into bowls, garnish with fresh chives or parsley, and serve hot.

This luxurious lobster bisque is perfect for special occasions or as a comforting, indulgent meal. Enjoy!