Luxurious Lobster Thermidor Delight

Luxurious Lobster Thermidor Delight

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• Lobster:

  • 2 lobsters (1½ to 2 pounds each), fresh

• Sauce:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 shallots, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons brandy or cognac
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/4 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
  • Salt and pepper to taste

• Topping:

  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Panko)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Preparing the Lobster:

   1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   2. Add the lobsters to the pot and cook for 8-10 minutes, until the shells are bright red. Remove the lobsters and transfer them to an ice bath to cool.
   3. Extract the meat from the lobster tails and claws. Cut the meat into bite-sized chunks. Reserve the shells for presentation.

2. Prepare the Sauce:

   1. In a large pan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
   2. Add the minced shallots and garlic. Sauté until they are soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
   3. Pour in the brandy or cognac and cook for about 2 minutes until most of the alcohol has evaporated.
   4. Stir in the heavy cream, mustard, lemon juice, and paprika. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently. Let it cook until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
   5. Add the white wine (if using) and continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
   6. Add the Parmesan and Gruyère cheeses, stirring until the cheeses have melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Combine Lobster with Sauce:

   1. Add the lobster meat to the sauce, ensuring that all pieces are well-coated. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the lobster is heated through.

4. Prepare the Topping:

   1. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter and finely chopped parsley.

5. Assembling and Baking:

   1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   2. Place the reserved lobster shells on a baking sheet.
   3. Spoon the lobster and sauce mixture back into the lobster shells.
   4. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.
   5. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the lobster is heated through.

6. Serving:

   1. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
   2. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.
   3. Serve hot with a side of fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread.

Tips and Enhancements:

• For an even richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of saffron to the sauce.
• Serve with a crisp, chilled white wine such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
• If you prefer, you can use pre-cooked lobster meat to save time; simply reduce the cook time in boiling water to a brief simmer for about 1 minute to heat through before proceeding with the recipe.

Enjoy your Luxurious Lobster Thermidor Delight!