Indulge in a bowl of Auntie Anita's Lobster Stew, a classic American seafood dish with a creamy and rich broth. This stew is made with succulent lobster meat, potatoes, onions, celery, and a hint of sherry for an extra depth of flavor. It's the perfect comfort food for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. This recipe will guide you through the steps to create a homemade lobster stew that will impress your guests and leave them craving for more.
Ingredients
- 2 live lobsters (about 1 1/2 pounds each)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup dry sherry
- 4 cups fish or seafood stock
- 2 cups peeled and diced potatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the live lobsters and cook for about 8-10 minutes until the shells turn bright red. Remove the lobsters from the pot and let them cool. Once cool, remove the meat from the shells and cut into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and celery and sauté until they become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables, stirring continuously to form a roux. Cook for 2-3 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour the dry sherry into the saucepan, stirring constantly. Allow the sherry to simmer and reduce slightly for about 2 minutes.
- Add the fish or seafood stock to the pan and stir well. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes.
- Add the diced potatoes to the saucepan and cook until they become tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Once the potatoes are cooked, stir in the heavy cream and Old Bay seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer the stew for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Add the lobster meat to the stew, making sure it is fully submerged. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, just until the lobster meat is heated through.
- Serve the lobster stew hot, garnished with chopped parsley. Enjoy with crusty bread or oyster crackers.
Interesting Facts
Lobster stew is a classic New England dish, often enjoyed during the cold winter months.
Sherry adds a rich and unique flavor profile to the stew, complementing the sweetness of the lobster.
The use of Old Bay seasoning gives the stew a touch of spice and enhances the overall taste.
This recipe can be easily doubled or halved depending on the number of servings required.
Leftover lobster stew can be refrigerated and reheated the next day, allowing the flavors to develop even further.