Creamy Lobster and Shrimp Bisque

Creamy Lobster and Shrimp Bisque

Ingredients:

• Lobster tails: 2 large, cooked and meat removed (reserve shells)
• Shrimp: 1/2 pound (225g), peeled and deveined
• Butter: 4 tablespoons
• Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
• Carrot: 1 small, finely chopped
• Celery: 1 stalk, finely chopped
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons
• Cognac or brandy: 1/4 cup (optional)
• Fish stock or seafood stock: 4 cups
• Heavy cream: 1 cup
• Bay leaf: 1
• Thyme: 1 teaspoon, dried
• Paprika: 1 teaspoon
• Salt and pepper: To taste
• Chives: Fresh, chopped for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the lobster and shrimp:
   • If the lobster is not already cooked, boil the lobster tails in salted water for about 8-10 minutes until fully cooked. Remove the meat from the shells and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Reserve the shells.
   • Peel and devein the shrimp, and set aside with the lobster meat.
2. Make the bisque base:
   • In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
   • Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes.
   • Add the cognac or brandy, if using, and allow it to cook off for a minute.
   • Add the reserved lobster shells to the pot, followed by the fish or seafood stock, bay leaf, thyme, and paprika. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes to extract the flavors from the shells.
3. Blend and strain:
   • After simmering, remove the lobster shells and bay leaf from the pot. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth (or transfer to a blender in batches).
   • Strain the soup through a fine mesh sieve back into the pot to ensure a silky smooth texture.
4. Finish the bisque:
   • Return the strained bisque to the pot over low heat. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
   • Add the chopped lobster meat and shrimp to the bisque, cooking gently until the shrimp are pink and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
5. Serve:
   • Ladle the bisque into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped chives.
   • Serve hot, with crusty bread on the side for dipping.

This Creamy Lobster and Shrimp Bisque is luxurious and full of deep, rich seafood flavors, making it a perfect dish for a special occasion or a comforting, indulgent meal. Enjoy!