Icelandic Lobster Soup Recipe

Cook Time: 1 hour  

   Prep Time: 25 minutes

Icelandic Lobster Soup Ingredients

Icelandic Lobster Soup Instructions

  1. Remove the shells from the Icelandic langoustine tails and set the meat aside; reserve the shells for the stock.
  2. In a large pot, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
  3. Add the reserved langoustine shells to the pot and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they turn pink and fragrant.
  4. Pour in the dry white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  5. Add the seafood stock, bay leaf, and thyme leaves to the pot with the shells.
  6. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 20 minutes to infuse the flavors.
  7. Strain the stock through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl, discarding the shells and aromatics; set the stock aside.
  8. In a clean large pot, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
  9. Add the chopped shallot, minced garlic, sliced leek, diced carrot, and diced celery to the pot.
  10. Sauté the vegetables for 6-8 minutes until softened and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
  11. Stir in the tomato paste, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper, and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavors.
  12. Pour the strained lobster stock into the pot with the vegetables and bring to a gentle simmer.
  13. Simmer the soup for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  14. Add the heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the pot, stirring to combine.
  15. Remove the bay leaf from the soup.
  16. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth, or carefully transfer to a blender in batches and blend until creamy.
  17. Strain the blended soup through a fine mesh sieve back into the pot for an extra-silky texture.
  18. Season the soup with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  19. Cut the reserved langoustine meat into bite-sized pieces and add to the pot.
  20. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, just until the langoustine is cooked through and tender.
  21. Stir in the chopped fresh dill.
  22. Ladle the soup into warm bowls and garnish with extra fresh dill before serving.

Estimated Calories: 250, Servings: 4

Recommended Dishes

Icelandic Lobster Soup Tips

Ready to whip up the best homemade Lobster Soup inspired by Icelandic traditions? Let's make your kitchen feel like a cozy Reykjavik café! For a truly authentic recipe, always use the freshest ingredients you can find-think sweet lobster tails and rich stock. The secret to a delicious, easy, and quick soup is to avoid overcooking the lobster; rubbery seafood is a crime in all countries, especially Iceland.
Want to know how to make your Lobster Soup the star of the show? Sauté your aromatics until they're golden and fragrant-this is where the magic begins. For a simple yet tasty twist, add a splash of cream at the end for that perfect velvety finish. If you're after the best flavor, don't forget a dash of fresh dill or chives. These little tips will elevate your recipe from "just soup" to "wow, is this what Icelandic grandmas serve?"
If you're looking for a quick and easy way to impress, serve your Lobster Soup with crusty bread. It's the best way to soak up every last drop of that delicious broth. Remember, the key to a perfect, authentic Icelandic experience is balancing the flavors-taste as you go and adjust your seasoning. With these tips, your homemade Lobster Soup will be the talk of the town (or at least your dinner table)!

Icelandic Lobster Soup Pairings

If you are looking for the best flavors to complement a bowl of Icelandic Lobster Soup, think about the wild, briny notes of the North Atlantic. A good way to enhance the experience is to add a squeeze of fresh lemon or a sprinkle of dill, which brings out the soup's natural sweetness. For a quick flavor boost, a dash of smoked paprika or a hint of cayenne can add a delicious kick without overpowering the delicate lobster. It is easy to get carried away, but remember, the best flavors are the ones that let the lobster shine like a Viking at a midsummer festival.
Now, let us talk about sides, because no one should have to face a bowl of soup alone. A great recipe for a side is a warm, crusty rye bread, which is both healthy and perfect for dunking. If you want something a bit more adventurous, try a quick cucumber salad with dill and a splash of vinegar. It is easy to prepare and adds a refreshing crunch that pairs well with the creamy soup. For those who like to keep things fast and simple, a handful of pickled vegetables can be a good, tangy companion.
When it comes to drinks, you have options that range from the best Icelandic beers to a good, crisp white wine. If you are feeling particularly Icelandic, try a shot of Brennivín, the local schnapps, but be warned, it is not for the faint of heart! For a non-alcoholic twist, a delicious elderflower tonic or a quick homemade lemonade can be a great way to cleanse the palate. Whatever you choose, make sure it is something that lets you toast to a meal well enjoyed-Skál!

Icelandic Lobster Soup Quick Mistake Fixes

If your soup ends up tasting like it was seasoned by Poseidon himself, you might have gone a bit too salty. Lobster already brings a natural brininess, so it is easy to tip the scales from delicious to "why does this taste like the ocean?" The best way to fix this is to add a splash of cream or a handful of cooked potatoes, which can soak up some of that salt and bring things back to a good, healthy balance. Remember, you want your guests to crave another spoonful, not reach for a gallon of water. A quick taste test before serving is always a great idea, unless you enjoy watching people pucker up at the table.
Nobody wants to eat lobster that feels like chewing on a rubber band, so overcooking is a common pitfall. Lobster is a delicate creature, and it does not take kindly to being boiled into oblivion. The best soups are fast and easy, with lobster that is just cooked through and still tender. If you find yourself with overcooked, tough lobster, try chopping it smaller and stirring it in at the last minute to warm through. This little trick can help mask the texture and keep your soup tasting great, even if the lobster had a rough day.
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the soup just tastes a bit bland, like it is missing that spark of Icelandic magic. This is where balancing flavors with last minute changes comes in handy. A squeeze of lemon, a dash of fresh herbs, or even a quick swirl of cream can turn a flat soup into something truly delicious. Do not be afraid to experiment-sometimes the best recipe is the one you tweak at the very end. After all, a good soup should be as lively and interesting as a Viking saga, not as dull as a foggy Reykjavik morning!

Icelandic Lobster Soup Story

The first time I served my version of this recipe, I was expecting polite nods and maybe a few compliments about how delicious it was. Instead, my friend Lars took one spoonful, paused dramatically, and declared, "This is the best thing I have ever tasted, and I once ate a sandwich in Paris!" I was flattered, of course, but also a little suspicious. Was he being sarcastic? Was he just really hungry? Either way, his reaction was so over the top that it made the whole table burst out laughing, and I have never looked at soup the same way since.
Later that evening, Lars cornered me in the kitchen and demanded to know my secret. He could not believe something so good could be so easy to make. I tried to play it cool, but inside I was doing a little victory dance. He even asked for the recipe, which I scribbled on the back of a grocery receipt. The next week, he called me in a panic because he had lost the note and needed a quick refresher before his own dinner party. Apparently, the pressure of recreating something "great and healthy" was too much for him, and he ended up ordering pizza instead. I still tease him about it every chance I get.
What really stayed with me, though, was how that one fast, silly dinner turned into a running joke and a cherished memory. Every time we get together, someone inevitably brings up the "legendary soup incident" and we all have a good laugh. It is funny how something as simple as sharing a meal can create such lasting connections. I may never know if Lars was being completely honest, but I do know that food has a way of bringing people together in the most unexpected and delightful ways.

About Icelandic Lobster Soup Recipe

If you're on the hunt for the best and most delicious recipe for homemade Lobster Soup, you've just struck culinary gold. This Icelandic classic is the perfect blend of rich flavors and simple ingredients, making it an easy and quick dish to whip up even on a busy weeknight. Wondering how to make this authentic soup? The secret is all in the fresh lobster, a splash of cream, and a few tasty tips that bring out the best in every spoonful. Trust me, your taste buds will be doing the Viking clap after just one bite!
The beauty of this recipe is that it's both easy and impressive-no need to be a master chef to create the perfect bowl of Icelandic-inspired Lobster Soup. With just a handful of ingredients, you can serve up a homemade dish that tastes like it came straight from a cozy Reykjavik café. The best part? It's quick to prepare, so you'll have more time to practice your Icelandic pronunciation (or just eat more soup). If you're looking for a simple yet authentic way to wow your dinner guests, this is the recipe to try.
For those who love a tasty adventure, this Lobster Soup recipe is packed with flavor and loaded with helpful tips to ensure your soup is always perfect. Whether you're a soup newbie or a seasoned pro, you'll appreciate how easy it is to follow these steps and create a delicious, authentic Icelandic dish at home. Don't forget to gather the freshest ingredients for the best results-after all, the right lobster makes all the difference. So grab your ladle, channel your inner Viking, and get ready to enjoy the best homemade Lobster Soup you've ever tasted!