Shrimp Bisque

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Melt butter in heavy large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add shrimp and sauté until just cooked through, about 4 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer shrimp to bowl. Add celery, onion, carrot, tarragon and lemon peel to Dutch oven. Sauté until vegetables are soft, about 8 minutes. Add white wine and brandy and boil 2 minutes. Add clam juice, whipping cream, rice and tomato paste. Cover pot and simmer until rice is very tender, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes.

   Step 2

   Purée soup in batches in blender. Return to Dutch oven. Place all but 6 shrimp in blender. Add 3 cups soup and blend until shrimp are coarsely chopped. Add to soup in Dutch oven. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate soup and remaining 6 shrimp separately.) made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate soup and remaining 6 shrimp separately.)

   Step 3

   Bring soup to simmer, stirring frequently. Ladle into 6 bowls; garnish each with 1 shrimp.