Lever House Cookbook

Risotto with Lobster, Sweet Corn, and Garden Peas When local white and bicolor corn become available in New York, this is one way for us to showcase it. Succulent lobster meat, freshly shucked peas, and lots of sweet corn combine to make a really wonderful summer risotto. If you can't find savory and don't want to use thyme, you could substitute fresh basil. Traditionally, risottos containing seafood do not include cheese, but feel free to add a little freshly grated Parmigiano if you like. Serves 4 1 tablespoon sea salt 1 live lobster (1.5 pounds) 4 cups Vegetable Stock (recipes below) 5 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 large shallots, minced 1 cup Arborio rice Generous pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper Half-cup (.5) dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc 2 ears sweet white corn, shucked, kernels cut from the cob (about 1 cup) 1 cup sweet peas, frozen or fresh (if using fresh peas, blanch for 2 minutes in salted boiling water; if using frozen, run under cool water for 2 minutes to thaw) 1 teaspoon chopped fresh savory or thyme leaves Juice of one-quarter (.25) lemon, if desired Fill a large stockpot three-quarters of the way with water and add the sea salt; bring to a rapid boil over medium-high heat. Carefully ease the lobster into the pot, and cook for 8 minutes, until the shell is bright red. Using tongs, carefully remove the lobster to a side platter. Working with rubber gloves, use a sort of sideways twist to break the legs, claws, and tails off of the bodies. Using a big knife, split the tails in half lengthwise. Gently wash away any visible veins or roe with cold water. On a work surface, rest the tails on their sides and, using the palm of your hand, press down on them to break off the outer shells; cut the tail meat into bite-size pieces. With the back of a knife, crack the claws and wiggle the meat out from the shell. Place the knuckles on the work surface, whack them open, remove the shell, and carefully pick out the meat with your fingers. You should have at least 1 cup of meat. Heat the stock in a saucepan over medium-low flame; keep warm at a simmer, but don't let it boil. Place a large saute pan over high heat and add 3 tablespoons of butter. When the butter is melted, add the shallots and cook them for 3 minutes, until translucent, stirring often. Add the rice, and stir for a minute or two, until the grains are opaque and slightly toasted; season with salt and pepper. Deglaze with the wine and cook until almost evaporated. Pour in 1 cup of the warm stock, stir until the rice has absorbed all the liquid, and then add another cup. Keep stirring while adding the stock 1 cup at a time, allowing the rice to drink it in before adding more, until the rice has been cooking for about 12 minutes. Fold in the corn and cook for 1 minute to incorporate. Add the peas and savory, cook another minute or two, until the rice is almost tender. Taste the rice frequently at this point, keeping in mind that it will continue to cook even after you turn off the flameit should not be dry or mushy. Fold in the lobster, adjust the seasoning, give a squeeze of lemon juice if you like, and finish the risotto with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Serve immediately in warm bowls. Vegetable Stock The small amount of salt in this recipe helps draw out flavor from the vegetables as they simmer. A little salt in stock won't reduce down enough to taste overpowering. Makes three quarters (.75) of a gallon 2 celery stalks, quartered 2 fennel bulbs, coarsely chopped 1 onion, halved 2 leeks, washed, trimmed, and halveSilverman, Dan is the author of 'Lever House Cookbook ', published 2006 under ISBN 9781400097807 and ISBN 1400097800.