Description
Rich, creamy Ina Garten lobster bisque combines luxurious seafood with delicate herbs and spices for an elegant coastal dining experience. Gourmet New England flavors shine through this velvety soup, inviting you to savor each indulgent spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) lobster meat, cooked and chopped
- 4 cups (946 ml) seafood or fish stock
- 1 ¼ cups (296 ml) dry white wine
- 4 tbsps butter
- ½ cup (118 ml) heavy cream
- 2 tbsps tomato paste
- 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Butter Foundation: Melt butter in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until golden and aromatic, creating a flavorful base for the bisque.
- Vegetable Sauté: Add diced onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened and translucent, releasing their sweet, earthy essences into the butter.
- Flavor Layering: Introduce garlic, tomato paste, salt, and pepper, stirring to develop a rich, complex flavor profile that will serve as the bisque’s aromatic backbone.
- Roux Creation: Sprinkle flour over the vegetable mixture, stirring meticulously to form a smooth, pale roux that will provide body and thickness to the soup.
- Liquid Harmony: Slowly stream in seafood stock and white wine, whisking continuously to create a seamless, lump-free liquid foundation while incorporating the roux.
- Herbal Infusion: Nestle bay leaf and thyme sprigs into the simmering liquid, allowing them to impart their subtle, earthy notes during a gentle 25-35 minute reduction.
- Silky Transformation: Discard herb stems, then purée the mixture in a blender until achieving a luxuriously smooth, uniform consistency.
- Cream and Lobster Finale: Return the puréed bisque to the pot, gently folding in heavy cream and tender lobster meat, heating carefully to preserve the seafood’s delicate texture.
- Serving Flourish: Ladle the velvety bisque into warm bowls, crowning each portion with a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives for a vibrant, aromatic finish.
Notes
- Choose Quality Seafood: Select fresh, high-quality lobster meat for the most authentic and rich flavor profile.
- Prevent Roux Lumps: Whisk flour constantly and add liquids gradually to create a smooth, lump-free base for the bisque.
- Control Cooking Temperature: Maintain a gentle simmer to develop deep flavors without burning the delicate ingredients.
- Avoid Overheating Lobster: Warm the meat carefully to prevent toughening, ensuring tender, succulent chunks in the final dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg