Coastal Maine Lobster Bisque

1. Prepare Lobster Meat

Begin by removing the meat from the cooked lobsters, making sure to reserve all the juices and shells. Cut the lobster meat into bite-sized chunks, about ¾ to 1-inch pieces, and store them in the refrigerator until needed.

2. Cook Lobster Shells

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt one stick of butter over medium-high heat. Add the reserved lobster shells and juices, cooking them for about 3 minutes until they start to release their aroma. Pour in the dry sherry, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 6 minutes to blend the flavors.

3. Add Dairy and Seasonings

Add the whole milk, heavy cream, sweet paprika, saffron threads, 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper to the pot. Let this mixture simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the broth to become rich and aromatic. The key here is to let the shells steep in the liquid, which enhances the lobster flavor.

4. Cool and Refrigerate

Once the mixture has simmered, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool for about 30 minutes. Transfer the cooled mixture to the refrigerator and let it steep for 12 to 24 hours. This resting period is crucial as it deepens the flavors of the bisque.

5. Strain the Mixture

After the refrigeration period, reheat the mixture gently until it is warm but not boiling. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, discarding the solids to leave a smooth, flavorful broth.

6. Sauté Lobster Meat

In a clean pot, melt the remaining ¼ pound of butter over medium heat. Add the refrigerated lobster meat, minced tarragon, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Sauté the lobster gently for about 3 minutes, then remove the pot from the heat and stir in the cream sherry and diced tomatoes.

7. Combine and Simmer

Combine the strained milk mixture with the lobster and tomatoes in the pot. Bring the bisque to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt if needed.

8. Serve

To serve, ladle the bisque into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of sweet paprika and freshly chopped chives. Enjoy the rich, creamy flavors of this Coastal Maine Lobster Bisque, a dish that captures the essence of the sea in every spoonful.