Restaurant Quality Lobster Bisque

Step 1

Steam lobsters in an 8- to 10-quart stockpot. Bring 2 inches of water and salt to a boil over high heat. Using metal tongs or gloves, place the lobsters head first into the pot and cover tightly. When water returns to a heavy boil, turn the heat down to a rolling boil and steam lobsters for 9 minutes for the first pound, and add 4 minutes for each additional pound. Steamed lobsters will be bright red when done. Remove with metal tongs or gloves and place in cool water or let cool for 3-5 minutes before removing meat from shell. Reserve the steaming liquid.

Step 2

Twist lobster claws and tails off. Using the side of a kitchen knife or nutcracker, crack the knuckles and claws and take meat out, reserving any liquid that comes out of the shells and on cutting board. Set the tail on a hard surface and use your hand to press down and crack the shell. Remove the tail meat and slice in half lengthwise, removing the black intestinal vein. Coarsely chop the meat and refrigerate. Roughly chop the shells along with all the lobster remains into small pieces and set aside.

Step 3

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add the carrot, celery, onion, garlic and herbs. Sauté until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the lobster shells, liquid and remains and cook for 6 minutes more. Add tomato paste and cayenne pepper and cook 4 minutes.

Step 4

Add the sherry (ignite or cook for alcohol to evaporate). Add clam juice and 1 cup of reserved lobster-steaming liquid. Bring to a simmer and cook covered, for 1 hour. Strain the broth through a colander/sieve, pressing down hard on solids to extract as much liquid as possible.

Step 5

Wipe out the pot and pour in the broth. Add the rice, bring to a boil, cover and cook on low for at least 30 minutes, or until the grains are cooked and VERY soft. Blend the bisque in a blender or food processor, then pass through sieve again, pressing down hard on solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Add cream and bring to a low simmer. Add the chopped lobster meat and heat through. Season to taste with salt and serve.