During a recent enchanting trip to the sun-drenched coasts of Italy, I stumbled upon a culinary masterpiece that has since haunted my palette – Bucatini in Lobster and Chorizo Cream Sauce. Nestled in a quaint, bustling street-side eatery, this dish marries the luxe sweetness of fresh lobster with the rich, smoky piquancy of chorizo sausages, all swathed in a velvety whisper of whipping cream. Its harmony of flavors – the oceanic, tender embrace of lobster, the deep, spicy undertones of chorizo, and the luscious, creamy caress of the sauce – forms a symphony that resonates with the soul. Driven by an insatiable curiosity and a newfound culinary passion, I embarked on a quest to recreate this gastronomic delight. After numerous attempts, I’ve managed to capture the essence of that unforgettable meal. It’s with great excitement that I share this recipe, inviting you to taste the essence of my journey and bringing a piece of Italian coastal cuisine right to your table.
Bucatini in Lobster and Chorizo Cream Sauce Recipe
Bucatini in Lobster and Chorizo Cream Sauce
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 large bowl
Ingredients
- 2 fresh lobsters of about 1-3/4 pounds each or alternatively, 4 lobster tails
- 1 cup reserved lobster cooking water or lobster stock
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- ⅓ cup dry white wine alternatively, use Chardonnay or sherry
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 4 garlic cloves chopped
- 2 fresh tarragon sprigs
- 2 fresh flat-leaf parsley sprigs
- a few strands of Spanish saffron
- 4 cups whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 or 4 links chorizo sausages sliced
- 1-1/4 pound long pasta such as spaghetti, linguine, or bucatini (bucatini for this recipe)
- flat-leaf parsley for garnish optional
- smoked paprika for garnish optional
- micro greens for garnish optional
- grated Grana Padano cheese for garnish optional
Instructions
- 1.Bring a large pot of water to a hard boil, then turn the heat to low Add the lobster to the pot one at a time and cover with a lid. Turn the heat to low and let the lobster gently simmer for 10 minutes. Repeat step with other lobster. If using lobster tails, simmer all 4 at the same time for 10 minutes.
- 2.Transfer whole lobster (or lobster tails) to a dish and let cool. Reserve some of the lobster cooking water.
- 3.When cool enough to handle the lobster, snip with kitchen shears the shells of the tail down the “backbone” and along the claws to retrieve meat. 4.Also save any roe in the body and set aside in a separate bowl. Discard tomalley (green stuff). Reserve the lobster shells and set aside.
- 5.Melt butter in a heavy pot over high heat. Add reserved lobster shells and sauté for 3 minutes in the butter.
- 6.Reduce heat to low and add tomato paste. Stir for 3 minutes.
- 7.Add wine, vinegar, garlic, and the whole sprigs of tarragon, parsley, and saffron. Let it come to a medium boil, about 2 minutes.
- 8.Pour the cream and boil on medium heat for another 2 minutes.
- 9.Add some lobster water or stock from the first simmer, about ¼ to ½ cup, depending on how “loose” you want the sauce to be.
- 10.Reduce heat to medium low again and simmer until the lobster flavour infuses the cream, about 20 minutes. Keep adjusting the heat so as not to let the sauce go on a hard boil.
- 11.Strain the sauce through a sieve into a large bowl. The strained sauce will be reheated at a later time. This will yield about 4 cups of lobster sauce.
- 12.Clean the pot used for the sauce or prepare a new pot. Heat some olive oil.
- 13.Sauté the chorizo sausage slices until just cooked and no longer translucent.
- 14.Add the strained lobster sauce to the chorizo. Simmer in very low heat and add the reserved lobster meat into the sauce.
- 15.Gently poach the lobster meat and chorizo in the sauce for 5 minutes, adjusting the heat so that it simmers only and not boil.
- 16.Meanwhile, prepare another large pot of salted boiling water and cook the pasta to al dente.
- Drain the pasta and return to the same pot.
- 17.Ladle the lobster and chorizo cream sauce on to the pasta. Gently toss until each strand is coated in the sauce. If the sauce seems too strong or thick, you can loosen it by mixing in some of the remaining lobster cooking water. Add 2 tablespoons at a time when adjusting.
- 18.Serve warm.
Cooking tips about Bucatini in Lobster and Chorizo Cream Sauce
- Select Quality Ingredients: The key to this dish lies in the quality of its primary ingredients. Opt for fresh lobster to achieve that sweet, oceanic flavor. The chorizo should be rich and smoky, adding depth to the dish. As for the whipping cream, choose a full-fat version for a richer, silkier sauce.
- Cook the Bucatini Perfectly: Bucatini should be cooked al dente – with just the right amount of bite. This pasta, known for its hollow center, excellently absorbs the creamy sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Balance Your Flavors: The richness of the chorizo and the sweetness of the lobster should complement each other without overwhelming. Adjust the seasoning carefully, and consider a dash of lemon juice to balance the creaminess of the sauce with a slight acidity.
- Simmer the Sauce to Perfection: Allow the sauce to simmer gently after combining the cream, lobster, and chorizo. This not only melds the flavors together but also achieves the desired consistency for coating the bucatini.
- Garnish Wisely: A sprinkle of finely chopped parsley or chives can add a burst of freshness to cut through the richness of the dish. Optionally, a dusting of freshly grated Parmesan can introduce a savory note.
- Pair with the Right Wine: To elevate your culinary experience, serve this dish with a wine that complements its rich and creamy profile. A crisp, light white wine or even a sparkling option can provide a refreshing contrast to the dish’s depth of flavors.
Serving suggestions about Bucatini in Lobster and Chorizo Cream Sauce
- Present on Warm Plates: Serve your pasta on plates that have been warmed slightly in the oven. This small touch ensures that the dish stays at the perfect temperature as you savor each bite.
- Garnish for Elegance: Garnish the dish with a light sprinkling of finely chopped parsley or chives to add a pop of color and a fresh flavor contrast. A few tender lobster pieces placed on top can also enhance the visual appeal and give a hint of the luxurious ingredients within.
- Add Bread on the Side: Offer slices of crusty, artisanal bread to accompany the meal. The bread is perfect for soaking up the sumptuous sauce, ensuring not a drop goes to waste.
- Pair with Wine: Complement the richness of the sauce and the seafood with a carefully chosen wine. A crisp, acidic white wine, such as a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, can balance the creaminess of the dish. Alternatively, for those who prefer red, a light-bodied Pinot Noir can harmonize with the flavors without overwhelming them.
- Finish with a Light Dessert: Conclude your meal with a dessert that is light and refreshing. A lemon sorbet or a fruit tart would be ideal, providing a delightful contrast to the creamy, savory main course and cleansing the palate.
Top 5 FAQs about Bucatini in Lobster and Chorizo Cream Sauce
- What makes Bucatini the preferred pasta for this dish? Bucatini is favored for its thick, hollow shape that perfectly captures and holds onto the rich, creamy sauce, ensuring each bite is flavorful. Its robust texture complements the hearty ingredients like lobster and chorizo, making it an ideal choice for this indulgent sauce.
- Can I substitute another type of seafood for lobster? While lobster provides a unique sweetness and luxurious texture to the dish, you can substitute it with other types of seafood. Good alternatives include crab, shrimp, or scallops, which would also pair nicely with the chorizo’s spiciness and the creamy sauce. However, adjusting cooking times may be necessary to accommodate different seafood.
- How important are the quality of the chorizo and cream? The quality of both the chorizo and whipping cream is crucial for achieving the depth of flavor and creamy consistency characteristic of this dish. A high-quality chorizo will offer rich, smoky notes, while full-fat whipping cream lends the sauce its velvety texture. Opting for premium ingredients will significantly enhance the flavor and overall dining experience.
- What wine pairs well with this dish? A crisp, acidic white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, is recommended to balance the richness of the cream sauce and the seafood. For those who prefer red, a light-bodied Pinot Noir can complement the dish without overwhelming its flavors, thanks to its subtle fruit notes and soft tannins.
- Can this dish be made ahead of time? While best enjoyed fresh, components of the dish can be prepared ahead to save time. The sauce can be made in advance and gently reheated while the pasta is cooking. However, for optimal texture and flavor, it’s recommended to cook the lobster and combine it with the sauce just before serving to maintain its tenderness and the overall harmony of flavors.
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