Shrimp Bisque (Tyler Florence)

Serves: 4-6

* 1.5 pounds shrimp, shelled and deveined, shells reserved
* Extra-virgin olive oil
* 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
* 2 1eeks, trimmed, halved lengthwise, and rinsed well
* 1 onion, halved
* 2 stalks celery, cut into big chunks
* 2 carrots, cut into big chunks
* 3 sprigs fresh thyme
* 1 bay leaf
* 2 strips orange zest
* 2 tablespoons tomato paste
* 1/4 cup brandy
* 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 4 cups heavy cream
* Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
* Finely grated orange zest, for garnish
* Finely chopped fresh chives, for garnish


SHRIMP BISQUE
Recipe courtesy Tyler Florence

Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and melt 3 tablespoons of the butter into it. Then add the shrimp shells, the leeks, onion, celery, carrots, 3 sprigs thyme, the bay leaf, orange zest, and tomato paste. Cook, stirring every now and then, until the shells are red and the vegetables are soft, about 10 minutes.

Take the pot off the heat and carefully pour in the brandy. Ignite the brandy with a long kitchen match and let the alcohol burn off. Return the pot to the heat, sprinkle in the flour, give it a stir, and cook for another 2 minutes. Now add water to cover and deglaze, scraping up all the browned bits on the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. Add the cream and bring to a boil. Immediately turn the heat down to low and gently simmer until the soup is reduced and thickened, 30 to 45 minutes. Strain into a clean pot and season with salt and pepper.

Chop the shrimp. Return the bisque to a simmer, add the shrimp and cook 2 to 3 minutes just to cook the shrimp through. Give the bisque a final taste for seasoning, pour it into warmed soup bowls and serve garnished with the orange zest and chives.