LOBSTER BISQUE SOUP

LOBSTER BISQUE SOUP

1 lobster, 1 to 2 lb.
2 ribs celery
1 shallot, minced
1 c. butter (1/2 lb.)
1 c. chopped onion (1 med.)
2 c. half and half (or milk)
Lobster broth
1 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. Old Bay Seasoning (optional)
1/2 to 1 c. sherry
1 tsp. concentrated chicken stock or 1 cube chicken bouillon
Salt, white pepper
1 c. flour
3 c. reserved lobster broth

Place lobster and celery in heavy saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then boil 10 to 15 minutes or until lobster is red and cooked.

Remove lobster, strain broth (let lobster cool), set aside.

In a large saucepan, melt butter, then sauté onion and shallot until soft and translucent. Add half and half plus some of the lobster broth, reserving 3 cups for later use.

Heat milk mixture thoroughly, then add paprika, sherry, chicken stock, Old Bay Seasoning, salt and pepper. In bowl, mix together the flour and reserved 3 cups of lobster broth. Heat until thickened.

Meanwhile, remove meat from lobster and add to the bisque. Allow bisque to simmer (do not boil) for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Garnish each bowl with chopped parsley.

Variation: You can use 1 1/2 tablespoons Minor's Lobster Base instead of lobster broth; eliminate the chicken bouillon.

Variation 2: Instead of using lobster, use an equivalent amount of crab meat. Use Minor's Crab Base instead of lobster broth and chicken bouillon. Instead of Lobster Bisque, you'll now have Crab Bisque!

Variation 3: Instead of using lobster, use an equivalent amount of peeled, deveined and chopped shrimp. Use Minor's Shrimp, Seafood, or Clam Base instead of lobster broth and chicken bouillon. Instead of Lobster Bisque, you'll now have Shrimp Bisque! Makes 3 quarts.

Source: www.cooks.com