Lobster Risotto

Recipe by: Mario Batali | from Molto Italiano: 327 Simple Italian Recipes to Cook at Home

Cookstr

Course: Main Course

Total Time: Under 1 Hour

Skill Level: Moderate

Cost: Splurge

Photo by: Joey DeLeo

I prefer spiny lobsters for risotto, as well as for grilling. Their flavor is sweeter and they are easier to use because you do not have to mess with the legs and claws. But our market lobsters are excellent as well–and far easier to find still alive.

Yield: Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

½ onion, coarsely chopped, plus 1 onion, finely chopped
1 carrot, coarsely chopped
1 bay leaf
Two 1½-pound lobsters
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1½ cups arborio rice
1 cup dry white wine
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ cup finely chopped italian parsley

Directions

1. Bring 3 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot, and add the coarsely chopped onion, carrot, and bay leaf. Prepare an ice bath. Plunge the lobsters into the boiling water and cook for 2 minutes. Remove and submerge in the ice bath for 1 minute, then drain and set aside. Keep the lobster cooking liquid warm over low heat.

2. In a deep 10- to 12-inch skillet, combine the olive oil, finely chopped onion, and tomato paste and cook over medium heat until the onion is softened but not browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the rice and stir with a wooden spoon until toasted and opaque, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the wine, then add a 4- to 6-ounce ladleful of the lobster cooking liquid and cook, stirring constantly, until the liquid is absorbed. Continue stirring and adding the liquid a ladleful at a time, waiting until the liquid is absorbed each time before adding more, for 15 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, remove the lobster meat from the shell, leaving the claws whole, and chop the tail into 1-inch pieces. Toss the lobster into the rice and continue cooking until the rice is tender and creamy but still al dente, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Remove from the heat, add the butter and parsley, and stir vigorously. Divide the risotto among four warmed plates and serve immediately.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

Nutrients per serving (% daily value)

Nutritional information is based on 1/8 teaspoon added salt per serving.

Calories 767kcal (38%)

Calcium 172mg (17%)

Vitamin C 11mg (18%)

Vitamin A 257mcg RAE (9%)

Potassium 1097mg

Magnesium 119mg

Protein 59g

Sugar 4g