Souper Soups!

December 2014
Written By: 
Jody MacKenzie
Photographs by: 
Marie Corsale
21 Main takes home top prize at ACF's Souper Supper

21 Main continued its winning tradition by taking home the top prize for the best overall soup at the 19th annual Souper Supper on Sunday, November 2, at Valor Park at The Market Common. 21 Main’s Roasted Corn, Crab & Bacon Chowder received the overall award.

Castano’s Italian Steakhouse received second place in the Judge’s Category and third place in the People’s Category.

Castano’s Butternut Squash & Lobster Bisque

Issue: 
December 2014
6
Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottom saucepan over low heat. Add the leeks, shallot and celery with a pinch of salt. Allow the vegetables to sweat for several minutes, stirring periodically, until softened. Add the squash and cook for several minutes, stirring. Turn the heat up to medium and allow a brown glaze to slowly build on the bottom of the pan by stirring less often. Use a spatula to scrape up and incorporate the brown bits a few times. After several minutes, add 1/3 cup cognac to deglaze the pan and loosen the rest of the brown bits. Allow the alcohol to reduce to almost nothing, stirring the vegetables frequently, and then add the fish stock and thyme leaves. Bring the liquid to a boil and then cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Allow the soup to simmer for 45 minutes. Transfer the soup to a blender and puree until very smooth. Wipe down the saucepan and return the soup to the pot. Stir in the half and half, 1 tablespoon cognac, and the salt, pepper and cayenne. Add the lobster meat, optionally reserving some for garnish. Serve hot. Top with brown butter sage drizzle.
Meal: 
Soups, stews

Castano’s Butternut Squash & Lobster Bisque

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 leeks, pale green and white parts only
1 medium shallot, minced (approximately 1/2 cup)
3 ribs celery, diced
4 cups butternut squash, cubed
1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon cognac
1 1/2 cups fish stock
1 sprig thyme
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon sea salt or to taste
Black pepper to taste Pinch of cayenne pepper 1 cup fresh lobster meat, chopped Brown butter sage drizzle