Red Pea Bisque with Rum Flambé

A luxurious Caribbean-inspired soup combining creamy kidney beans, coconut milk, and a dramatic rum flambé finish. This elegant bisque balances rich flavors with aromatic herbs and a touch of Sherry.

6 servings
2 hr 5 min

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup butter
  • 1 medium onion
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 sprig fresh thyme
  • 4 cups low-salt chicken broth
  • ½ cup canned unsweetened coconut milk
  • cups dried kidney beans
  • 1 tablespoon dry Sherry
  • 6 tablespoons high-quality dark rum
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Melt butter in heavy large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and thyme; sauté until onion is soft, about 8 minutes. Add 4 cups broth, coconut milk, and beans; bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until beans are tender, stirring occasionally, 1 1/4 to 1 3/4 hours. Remove thyme sprig.

    105 min

  2. 2.

    Set aside scant 1 cup of beans. Working in batches, purée remaining mixture in blender until smooth. Return soup to same pot; add reserved beans and Sherry. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; chill.) Bring to simmer, thinning with broth if desired; keep warm.

    15 min

  3. 3.

    Place rum in heavy small skillet. Bring to simmer. Carefully ignite rum. When flames subside, divide soup among 6 bowls, drizzle with rum, sprinkle with chives, and serve.

    5 min

  4. 4.

    *Available at many supermarkets and at Indian, Southeast Asian, and Latin markets.

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