Creamy Lobster Bisque: Recipes with Lobster Stock Made Easy!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup / 150g)
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped (about 1 cup / 120g)
• 2 celery stalks, chopped (about 1 cup / 100g)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) tomato paste
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
• 6 cups (1.4 liters) lobster stock (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup (240 ml) dry sherry (or dry white wine)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 sprig fresh thyme
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 4 ounces (115g) cooked lobster meat, chopped
• 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
• Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)