Introduction
Scott DeSimon’s Lobster Stew is a sumptuous and flavorful dish that showcases the luxurious taste of lobster. This stew brings together rich, creamy components with fresh herbs and spices to create an indulgent meal experience perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself and your loved ones.
Tips for this recipe
To elevate the flavors of Scott DeSimon’s Lobster Stew, ensure that lobsters are freshly caught and properly prepared using a lobster cracker. Sautéing shallots until golden adds depth to the stew, while incorporating brandy or cognac contributes an elegant complexity.
Why you will love this recipe
This Lobster Stew offers a lavish dining experience without overpowering your palate. The harmonious blend of rich lobster meat, creamy half-and-half, and subtly spiced elements make it an ideal choice for those who appreciate classic seafood dishes with modern refinement.
Ingredients
2 1 1/4-pound lobsters (female if you have a choice; you want the roe)
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, divided
Large shallot, chopped
Brandy or Cognac
2 sprigs thyme
2 cups half-and-half
Kosher salt
Freshly ground white pepper
Tabasco (optional)
Adviced equipments
– Lobster Cracker: A tool specifically designed for cracking open lobsters into their shells.
– Chef’s Knife: An essential kitchen knife, versatile in cutting vegetables and preparing ingredients.
– Cutting Board: Provides a durable surface to safely cut and chop ingredients.
– Large Sauté Pan or Dutch Oven: Used for sautéing vegetables, simmering the stew, and evenly cooking all components of the dish.
– Strainer (Fine Mesh) or Colander: Useful for straining out shells from lobster meat and rinsing vegetables after washing them.
– Large Pot with Lid: Needed to hold a large volume of liquid, suitable for simmering the stew over heat.
– Digital Kitchen Scale (Optional): Useful for precise ingredient measurements, particularly if you’re buying fresh lobster or scaling up servings.
– Whisk: Can be used to mix and emulsify sauces that might accompany the stew, such as a simple butter sauce.
History of the recipe
Lobster dishes have been part of coastal culinary traditions for centuries. Originating from seafood-rich areas worldwide, lobster stews like Scott DeSimon’s embody the fusion of local ingredients with French cooking techniques—a testament to the historical interplay between gastronomy and geography in creating iconic dishes that stand the test of time.
Fun facts about this recipe
Lobsters are known for their rich diet consisting mainly of other sea creatures, which imbues them with a deep flavor profile highly prized in gourmet cooking. Scott DeSimon’s Lobster Stew is not only a homage to the lobster’s natural allure but also a nod to culinary innovation, as it masterfully balances tradition and creativity on a single plate.
