Recipes Soups Cream Soups Bisque Lobster Bisque 1 Review Lobster shells from the tail, claws, knuckles, and legs are full of flavor and, when very gently simmered in water, yield a clean-tasting, briny stock. Seasoned with mirepoix, sherry, and herbs, this classic bisque is thickened with fragrant jasmine rice. Serve it hot or cold for a knockout lunch or simple supper. By Mary-Frances Heck Mary-Frances Heck Mary-Frances Heck is a chef and freelance food editor, formerly a senior food editor at Food & Wine. In addition to her recipes and articles appearing in many well-known publications, she has her own cookbook, “Sweet Potatoes: Roasted, Loaded, Fried and Made into Pie.” Food & Wine's Editorial Guidelines Updated on August 2, 2023 Tested by Food & Wine Test Kitchen Tested by Food & Wine Test Kitchen Recipes published by Food & Wine are rigorously tested by the culinary professionals at the Dotdash Meredith Food Studios in order to empower home cooks to enjoy being in the kitchen and preparing meals they will love. Our expert culinary team tests and retests each recipe using equipment and ingredients found in home kitchens to ensure that every recipe is delicious and works for cooks at home every single time. Meet the Food & Wine Test Kitchen Rate PRINT Share Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: Victor Protasio Active Time: 45 mins Total Time: 1 hr 45 mins Yield: 8 Ingredients 12 cups 2 -inch pieces lobster tail, claw, knuckle, and leg shells (from Steamed Lobster and Corn for a Crowdor 6 [1 1/2 -pounds] lobsters, carapaces discarded) 12 cups water 1/2 cup (4 ounces) unsalted butter 1 large yellow onion, chopped (about 2 cups) 2 celery stalks, chopped (about 3/4 cup) 1/4 cup tomato paste 1/2 cup amontillado sherry 3/4 cup uncooked jasmine rice 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves 2 bay leaves 1 teaspoon black pepper 2 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided, plus more to taste 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, plus more to taste 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, plus more to taste 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, divided 3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives Directions Combine lobster shells and 12 cups water in a large stockpot. Bring to a boil over medium-high. Reduce heat to low, and simmer very gently 45 minutes. Pour stock through a fine wire-mesh strainer into a large bowl, and discard shells. Melt butter in a large saucepan or clean stockpot over medium. Add onion and celery, and cook, stirring occasionally, until very soft and translucent, about 15 minutes. Stir in tomato paste, and cook, stirring often, until brick red in color, about 2 minutes. Add sherry; increase heat to high, and bring to a boil. Stir in rice, thyme, bay leaves, black pepper, and 2 teaspoons salt. Add lobster stock, and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until rice is very soft, about 25 minutes. Remove and discard bay leaves. Remove from heat, and let stand 15 minutes. Place one-third of mixture in a blender. Remove center piece of blender lid (to allow steam to escape); secure lid on blender, and place a clean towel over opening in lid. Process until very smooth, about 1 minute. Transfer mixture to a large saucepan. Repeat procedure 2 times with remaining bisque. If serving bisque hot, reheat over medium-low, stirring, until hot. If serving bisque cold, chill until cold. When ready to serve, stir lemon juice, cayenne, and 1 cup cream into bisque. Place remaining 1/2 cup cream in a chilled bowl, and whisk until soft peaks form. Stir remaining 1 /4 teaspoon salt into whipped cream. Season bisque with salt, lemon juice, and cayenne to taste. Divide bisque among 8 bowls, and top with whipped cream and chives. Make Ahead Bisque may be made through step 3 up to 2 days ahead. Keep chilled until ready to serve. Originally appeared: July 2018 Rate It Print