Lobster Bisque Spheres
Ingredients
-1 can (about 350g) lobster meat, drained and chopped
-1/4 cup (60ml) dry white wine
-1/4 cup (60ml) brandy
-1/2 onion, finely chopped
-1 celery stalk, finely chopped
-1 garlic clove, finely chopped
-1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) dried thyme
-1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) salt
-1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) freshly ground black pepper
-1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
-1 egg yolk
-1 tablespoon (15ml) cornstarch
-1 tablespoon (15ml) cold water
-1/4 cup (60ml) grated Parmesan cheese
-1 tablespoon (15ml) chopped fresh parsley
-1 tablespoon (15ml) chopped fresh tarragon
-2 teaspoons (10ml) gelatin
-1/4 cup (60ml) cold water
Method
1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the lobster, wine, brandy, onion, celery, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
2. Add the cream and egg yolk and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water and add to the pan. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 2 minutes.
4. Remove from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, parsley, tarragon, and gelatin.
5. Pour into a medium bowl and refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours.
6. To make the spheres, use a melon baller or small ice cream scoop to scoop out the bisque. Wet your hands and roll each scoop into a ball.
7. Place the spheres on a baking sheet lined with wax paper and freeze for at least 2 hours.
Potential changes & improvements
-If you want a richer bisque, you can use half and half or heavy cream instead of milk.
-If you want a thinner bisque, you can add more broth or white wine.
-For a more elegant presentation, garnish with fresh herbs or caviar.
What other food it works well with
-This bisque would be great with a simple green salad and a glass of white wine.
Common Mistakes
-Not cooking the bisque long enough. Be sure to cook the bisque until the vegetables are tender and the mixture has thickened.
-Not chilling the bisque long enough. Be sure to chill the bisque for at least 2 hours so that it is firm enough to scoop.
Nutritional Information
-Serving size: 1 sphere
-Calories: 107
-Fat: 7g
-Saturated fat: 3g
-Cholesterol: 36mg
-Sodium: 153mg
-Carbohydrates: 7g
-Fiber: 0g
-Sugar: 2g
-Protein: 5g
Allergens
-Lobster
-Egg
-Milk
-Parmesan cheese