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Main Course

Ragoût de Homard à l'Armoricaine

This classic French dish features succulent lobster cooked in a rich, flavorful tomato and brandy sauce. It's an elegant main course perfect for special occasions. The sauce is deeply savory with aromatic herbs and a hint of spice.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time
1 hr 25 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
Hard
Per serving
490 kcal
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Gluten-free

Allergen information: may contain celery, crustaceans, fish, milk, and sulphites. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Ragoût de Homard à l'Armoricaine

Mise en place

Ingredients

Measurements

Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.

Ingredients

  • 2 pcslive lobster, about 500g each
  • 2 tbspolive oil
  • 2 pcsshallot, finely chopped
  • 2 clovegarlic, minced
  • 0.5 cupbrandy
  • 0.5 cupdry white wine
  • 1 cupcanned crushed tomatoes
  • 1.5 cupfish stock
  • 3 gfresh thyme
  • 1 pcsbay leaf
  • 0.25 tspcayenne pepper
  • 1 tspsalt
  • 0.5 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
  • 2 tbspunsalted butter, cold, cut into cubes(optional)

garnish

  • 2 tbspfresh parsley, chopped

Equipment

ice bath · fine-mesh sieve · large pot · dutch oven · cutting board · knife

The method

Step by step

  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.

    About 5 min

  2. 2

    Carefully place the live lobsters into the boiling water, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes until bright red.

    About 10 min

  3. 3

    Remove lobsters from the pot and plunge them into an ice bath to stop the cooking.

    About 2 min

  4. 4

    Once cool enough to handle, twist off the claws and tail from each lobster.

    About 5 min

  5. 5

    Crack the claws and tails, then remove the meat, being careful to keep it in large pieces.

    About 10 min

    Cook’s note: Reserve the shells and any tomalley (green liver) or coral (red roe) for the sauce.

  6. 6

    In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

    About 1 min

  7. 7

    Add the shallot and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

    About 4 min

  8. 8

    Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

    About 1 min

  9. 9

    Add the reserved lobster shells to the pot and sauté for 5 minutes, crushing them slightly with a spoon to release flavor.

    About 5 min

  10. 10

    Pour in the brandy and flambé (carefully ignite with a match) if desired, otherwise let it reduce for 1-2 minutes.

    About 2 min

    Cook’s note: If you don't feel comfortable flambéing, simply let the alcohol cook off.

  11. 11

    Add the dry white wine and cook until it has reduced by half, about 3-5 minutes.

    About 5 min

  12. 12

    Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes, fish stock, fresh thyme, bay leaf, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

    About 1 min

  13. 13

    Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

    About 20 min

  14. 14

    Strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing on the solids (especially the shells) to extract all liquid and flavor.

    About 3 min

    Cook’s note: Discard the solids after straining.

  15. 15

    Return the strained sauce to the pot and bring it to a gentle simmer.

    About 1 min

  16. 16

    Add the cooked lobster meat to the sauce and warm through for 2-3 minutes.

    About 3 min

    Cook’s note: Do not overcook the lobster meat at this stage, as it will become tough.

  17. 17

    Remove the pot from the heat and swirl in the cold unsalted butter, if using, until melted and incorporated.

    About 1 min

    Cook’s note: This step adds richness and gloss to the sauce.

  18. 18

    Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

  19. 19

    Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

    Cook’s note: Traditionally served with rice or crusty bread.

Per serving

Nutrition

Calories
490.4kcal
Protein
50.9g
Carbs
11g
Fat
17.3g
Fibre
1.5g
Sugar
3.3g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store leftover ragoût in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through, being careful not to overcook the lobster.

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