Florida Spiny Lobster Bisque is a positively delicious dish that brings the essence of the Florida coast to your table. This luxurious bisque features the rich, sweet meat of the Florida spiny lobster, renowned for its delicate texture and flavor. Blended into a smooth, creamy soup with a selection of fine ingredients, each spoonful offers a taste of the ocean’s bounty. The bisque’s depth of flavor is enhanced by the careful preparation, making it an ideal choice for a special occasion or an elegant meal. With your fresh ingredients and thoughtful preparation, this bisque is not just a dish but an exquisite culinary experience, celebrating the unique flavors of Florida’s coastal waters.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 1/2 pounds Florida spiny lobster meat, cooked
  • 1 rib Florida celery, chopped fine
  • 1 Florida carrot, chopped fine
  • 1 Florida tomato, chopped fine
  • 1 medium onion, chopped fine
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 6 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh tarragon leaves, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, chopped
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 8 black peppercorns
  • 1/2 cup brandy
  • 1/2 cup dry sherry
  • 4 cups fish stock or bottled clam juice
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste

 

PREPARATION
Slice cooked lobster meat into medallions, reserving a few slices for garnish. Coarsely chop remaining slices; cover and chill. In a 6-quart stockpot, saute the vegetables, garlic, herbs and peppercorns in oil over medium-high heat until soft. Carefully add the brandy and sherry; simmer until most of the liquid is evaporated. Add the fish stock and simmer uncovered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Strain the stock into a large saucepan; discard remaining solids. Add tomato paste and simmer for 10 minutes until stock is reduced to 3 cups of liquid. Stir in cream and simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Combine cornstarch and water in a small bowl and whisk into bisque. Simmer for 2 minutes, stirring, until slightly thickened. Add chopped lobster meat and simmer until lobster meat is heated through. Add salt and pepper. Serve garnished with reserved lobster medallions.

Source: Fresh from Florida, followfreshfromflorida.com