Lobster Meat with Stewed Rice

Lobster Meat with Stewed Rice Recipe from Ghana

Region / culture: Ghana | Preparation time: 45 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Lobster Meat with Stewed Rice is a delicious and luxurious dish that combines the delicate flavors of lobster meat with a rich and savory tomato-based gravy. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a fancy dinner party.

History

Lobster has long been considered a delicacy in many cultures around the world. In this recipe, the lobster meat is paired with a flavorful gravy made from tomatoes, onions, and green peppers, creating a dish that is both elegant and satisfying.

Ingredients

2 (2 lb (907 g)) live lobsters; livers and/or roe reserved
3 medium-ripe tomatoes, peeled and diced
0.25 cup lemon juice
2 tbsp tomato paste
salt to taste
0.25 lb (113 g) shelled deveined shrimp
0.75 cup melted butter or margarine
0.5 cup water
1 tbsp flour
1 bay leaf, split
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tsp white pepper
1 green pepper, diced
2 cup cooked curried rice

How to prepare

Split the lobster lengthwise down the middle and remove the center vein.
Clean the lobster by removing the viscera (but save the livers and roe) and the veins, and crack the claws.
Sprinkle the lobster with lemon juice and salt, dot with butter, and roast it in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 30 minutes.
Brush the lobster with butter once or twice during cooking.
Remove the claws, crack them, and take out all the meat, including the tail meat.
Reserve the lobster shells.
Dice the lobster meat and mix it with the liver and/or roe found in the lobsters.
Prepare a roux by browning the flour in butter, then add onion and green pepper and cook until tender. Stir in tomatoes and tomato paste to make a gravy.
While the gravy is simmering, boil the shrimp in 0.5 cup of water with salt and a split bay leaf for 15 minutes.
Retain the shrimp stock.
Add the shrimp stock to the gravy, stir in salt and pepper, then add the lobster meat and shrimp. Continue simmering until well cooked.

Variations

For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the gravy. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When preparing lobster meat, it is important to remove the center vein and clean out the viscera to ensure that the meat is fresh and flavorful. Roasting the lobster in the oven helps to enhance its natural sweetness and adds a depth of flavor to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Lobster Meat with Stewed Rice with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and balanced meal.

Cooking Techniques

Roasting the lobster meat in the oven helps to enhance its natural flavors and create a rich and savory dish. Simmering the gravy with the lobster meat and shrimp allows the flavors to meld together and create a delicious sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are unable to find fresh lobster, you can use frozen lobster meat or even substitute with crab meat or scallops for a similar flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the lobster meat and gravy ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Simply reheat the dish on the stovetop and serve over freshly cooked rice.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Lobster Meat with Stewed Rice in the reserved lobster shells for an elegant and impressive presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a crisp white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the rich flavors of the lobster and tomato gravy.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the dish in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Lobster Meat with Stewed Rice contains approximately 450 calories, making it a satisfying and filling meal.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates in this dish primarily come from the cooked curried rice, which provides a good source of energy for the body.

Fats

The melted margarine used in this recipe adds a rich and buttery flavor to the dish, providing a source of healthy fats.

Proteins

The lobster meat and shrimp in this dish are excellent sources of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.

Vitamins and minerals

Tomatoes are a rich source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber. Green peppers also provide a good amount of vitamin C and other essential nutrients.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish (lobster and shrimp) and may not be suitable for individuals with shellfish allergies.

Summary

Overall, this dish is a well-rounded meal that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Lobster Meat with Stewed Rice is a decadent and flavorful dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a fancy dinner party. With a rich and savory tomato-based gravy and tender lobster meat, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately intrigued. It was a warm summer day and I was wandering through the bustling streets of a small fishing village in Maine. The salty sea air mingled with the scent of freshly caught lobster, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over me.

I stumbled upon a quaint little seafood shack, its windows fogged up from the steam rising off the pots of boiling water. As I peered inside, I saw a weathered old fisherman standing over a large pot, carefully tending to the lobsters as they simmered away.

Curiosity got the best of me and I approached the fisherman, asking him what he was cooking. With a twinkle in his eye, he beckoned me closer and began to regale me with tales of his adventures out at sea, catching the finest lobsters the ocean had to offer.

As he spoke, I couldn't help but be mesmerized by the way he spoke about his craft with such passion and reverence. It was then that he invited me to join him for a meal, promising me a taste of the most delicious lobster dish I had ever tried.

I eagerly accepted his offer and watched as he expertly cracked open the lobsters, removing the succulent meat from within. He then began to prepare a pot of stewed rice, slowly simmering it with fragrant herbs and spices until it was tender and flavorful.

As the dish came together, my mouth watered in anticipation. The fisherman plated up the lobster meat and rice, garnishing it with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a sprinkle of parsley.

I took my first bite and was immediately transported to food heaven. The lobster meat was sweet and tender, perfectly complemented by the aromatic stewed rice. The flavors danced on my tongue, creating a symphony of taste that I had never experienced before.

I knew in that moment that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself. I begged the fisherman to teach me his recipe, promising to cherish it and pass it down through the generations.

With a smile, he agreed and began to guide me through the steps of creating Lobster Meat with Stewed Rice. He shared his tips and tricks, showing me how to select the freshest lobsters and cook them to perfection.

Over the years, I have perfected the recipe, adding my own twists and variations to make it truly my own. Each time I make it, I am reminded of that fateful day in the fishing village and the kind fisherman who shared his culinary secrets with me.

Now, whenever I prepare Lobster Meat with Stewed Rice for my family and friends, I am met with smiles and satisfied bellies. They always ask me where I learned to make such a delicious dish, and I simply smile and say, "It's a family recipe passed down through the generations."

And while the origins of the recipe may have been a chance encounter on a summer day long ago, the memories and flavors it brings to the table will always hold a special place in my heart.