Lobster Gratin
Introduction
Lobster Gratin is a classic dish that is sure to impress. This dish is easy to prepare and combines the flavours of butter, white wine, and Parmesan cheese with succulent lobster meat. The result is a creamy, flavorful gratin that will surely be a hit with family and friends. This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough for a special occasion.
Ease of Preparation
Lobster Gratin is a simple dish that requires minimal effort. All of the ingredients are readily available, and the preparation is straightforward. The only time-consuming part of the recipe is cooking the lobster meat, but this can be done ahead of time to make the dish come together quickly.
Nutritional Information
One serving of Lobster Gratin contains approximately 360 calories, 16g of fat, 19g of protein, and 16g of carbohydrates.
Ingredients
-2 tablespoons butter
-2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
-1/2 cup dry white wine
-2 cups half-and-half
-1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
-1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
-1/2 teaspoon salt
-1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
-2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
-2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon
-2 tablespoons minced fresh chives
-2 pounds of cooked lobster meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
-1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Preparation Method
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the wine and half-and-half, and cook, constantly stirring, until the mixture thickens and boils, about 5 minutes.
- Remove the sauce from the heat. Stir in nutmeg, cayenne pepper, salt, parsley, tarragon, and chives.
- Place the lobster meat in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the sauce over the lobster and sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Cooking Tips
For a more flavorful gratin, use a dry white wine with higher alcohol content. If you don’t have any white wine on hand, you can substitute it with chicken broth. Additionally, you can add other herbs and spices to the gratin to customize the flavour.
Flavour/Taste
Lobster Gratin has a rich, creamy flavour with hints of white wine, nutmeg, and Parmesan cheese. The lobster meat is tender and succulent, and the sauce is perfectly seasoned.
Best Dishes Paired With
Lobster Gratin pairs well with a variety of side dishes. For a light and refreshing option, serve it with a summer salad or a simple green vegetable such as asparagus or green beans. For a heartier meal, serve it with roasted potatoes or wild rice pilaf.
Origin of Dish and History
Lobster Gratin is a classic French dish from the 19th century. It is believed to have originated in the coastal region of Brittany, where lobster is plentiful. The dish has since become popular throughout France and other parts of Europe.
Popular Alternatives
If you don’t have lobster on hand, you can substitute it with other types of seafood, such as shrimp, scallops, or crab. You can also use a combination of seafood for a more flavorful gratin. Additionally, you can add vegetables such as mushrooms or spinach to the gratin for a more nutritious dish.