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Ina Garten Lobster Bisque

Ina Garten Lobster Bisque

Lobster Bisque is a smooth and velvety soup made with rich lobster stock, heavy cream, and tender lobster meat. Ina Garten’s version emphasizes simplicity and bold flavors, creating a dish that’s as elegant as it is satisfying.

Ingredients

For the Lobster Stock

  • Lobster shells – from 2 lobsters (about 1 ½ pounds each)
  • Carrots – 2, roughly chopped
  • Celery stalks – 2, roughly chopped
  • Yellow onion – 1, roughly chopped
  • Garlic – 3 cloves, smashed
  • Tomato paste – 2 tbsp
  • Dry white wine – 1 cup
  • Water – 6 cups
  • Fresh thyme – 1 tsp
  • Bay leaf – 1

For the Bisque

  • Unsalted butter – 4 tbsp
  • All-purpose flour – 3 tbsp
  • Heavy cream – 1 cup
  • Paprika – 1 tsp
  • Cayenne pepper – a pinch (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper – to taste
  • Cooked lobster meat – 2 cups, chopped
  • Dry sherry – 2 tbsp (optional)

Instructions

Make the Lobster Stock

  1. Sauté the Vegetables and Shells: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the lobster shells, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the shells are fragrant.
  2. Add Tomato Paste and Wine: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add the white wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze.
  3. Simmer the Stock: Add water, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes. Strain the stock through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl, discarding the solids.

Make the Bisque

  1. Make a Roux: In the same pot, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until golden and smooth.
  2. Add the Stock: Slowly whisk the strained lobster stock into the roux. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
  3. Add Cream and Spices: Stir in the heavy cream, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Incorporate Lobster Meat: Add the chopped lobster meat and simmer gently for 5 minutes, just to warm through. Stir in the sherry, if using, for added depth.
  5. Serve: Ladle the bisque into bowls and garnish with a drizzle of cream, a sprinkle of paprika, or fresh herbs.