Fresh Maine lobster is often regarded as the ultimate summertime delicacy, but it can still be enjoyed in the depths of winter. As the temperatures drop outside, fresh lobster’s sweet, savory, and tender meat makes for an excellent comfort food inside. Here are three favorite Maine recipes guaranteed to warm you, your family, or your friends up on the coldest winter days.
Lobster Pie
A classic winter dish popular in Maine and throughout New England, lobster pie will impress family and friends alike. It’s also easy to make as it consists of preparing a topping and filling. Prep time (for the first go-round) is about a half hour and takes 10-15 minutes to bake.
Ingredients for the topping:
- 2 1/2 tablespoons melted salted butter
- 1/2 cup crushed butter crackers
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Ingredients for the filling:
- 3 tablespoons and 5 tablespoons salted butter
- 1/4 cup dry sherry
- 1 lb of chopped or shredded cooked lobster meat
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups half-and-half
- 4 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
- Minced chives
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Start with the topping: mix all the ingredients—butter, crackers, paprika, and Parmesan cheese—in a medium bowl and set aside.
- For the filling, begin by melting 3 tbsp of butter in a large skillet at medium-high heat. Then, add sherry and boil for 1 minute. Mix in lobster and then remove from the heat. Strain the liquid into a small bowl and set the juice and lobster aside.
- Next, melt the other 5 tbsp of butter in a 4-quart saucepan at medium-low heat. Once the butter is fully melted, add flour, stirring until the mixture looks thick and smooth. Stir the half-and-half into the bowl of lobster-sherry mixture and then add to the butter-flour mixture. Turn heat to medium-high and whisk continuously for about 3 minutes. A thick sauce will form. Remove from heat, and spoon a 1/2 cup into a separate bowl. Add the egg yolks one at a time, beating each after each addition. Add the egg and sauce mixture back with the other sauce, stirring over low heat for 3 minutes until the sauce becomes thick and smooth—do not bring to a boil.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and mix in the lobster. Pour the filling into a deep pie dish and sprinkle the topping evenly. Place in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until the topping is golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with minced chives. Serves 4-6
Lobster Casserole
Take that winter casserole to another level with fresh Maine lobster. Here’s what you’ll need to bake this Maine winter favorite for 4:
Ingredients:
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 3/4 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 lb of chopped, cooked lobster meat
- 2 cups cream (or milk)
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup shredded Gouda or Gruyere cheese
- 2 cups soft bread cubes
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup cracker crumbs (oyster or butter crackers)
Instructions:
- Lightly grease a casserole dish and preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp of butter in a medium size skillet and add the sliced mushrooms. Sauté until they soften and remove from the pan.
- Over medium heat, melt 3 tbsp of butter in a saucepan. Add flour and mustard and whisk until smooth. Then add cream (or milk), whisking continuously until the mixture thickens. Add salt and pepper, the mushrooms, and the cheese, and continue whisking until the cheese has thoroughly melted.
- Add the lobster meat, the bread cubes, and parsley to the mixture and stir, then pour the contents into a greased casserole dish.
- Melt the remaining 1 tbsp of butter and mix in with cracker crumbs. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the casserole. Place in the oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes (crumbs will turn golden brown). Remove from the oven, let it sit for 10 minutes, and then serve.
Lobster Chowder
There are many variations on lobster chowder. This one is for a thick and hearty chowder:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb of chopped, cooked lobster meat
- 2 or 3 medium-sized potatoes
- 1 onion
- 4 celery stalks
- 6 tablespoons of salted butter
- 3 tablespoons of flour
- Up to 3-4 cups of whole milk (or cream and milk)
- 1/4 teaspoon sweet paprika
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
To begin, peel and dice potatoes and steam until tender. While steaming, finely chop one large onion and the celery stalks. Over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan. Add the chopped onion and celery (season with salt and pepper if desired), and cook until softened. Add lobster meat with 2 tbsp of water. Cover and heat, and simmer for 3-5 minutes. Set aside.
Chowder base:
Start by melting 4 tablespoons of salted butter over medium heat in a medium saucepan. Once heated, whisk in 3 tablespoons of flour gradually, stirring in one tablespoon at a time. The butter and flour will form a thick paste to the consistency of cake frosting. Continue whisking until the mixture gently bubbles. Add sweet paprika and a pinch of pepper and stir. Add one cup of the milk (or cream), and whisk until the mixture begins to thicken; add a 1/2 cup of milk and repeat gradually until the desired thickness is achieved (the more milk or cream added, the thinner the chowder’s base).
Pour chowder into the large saucepan of lobster, onions, and celery, and stir. Add steamed potatoes and stir the ingredients together. Remove from heat for 2 hours, then warm over low heat—do not boil. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve.
Order Maine Lobster Online with Klenda Seafood
If you wonder, “Where can I buy Maine lobster?” look no further than Klenda Seafood. We have you covered! For the highest quality fresh lobster from Maine, order today – we deliver live lobster directly to your door – especially perfect for whenever you crave a warm, hearty meal on a chilly day. We also offer curbside pick-up at our South Portland location if you live locally – call for details and to place your order over the phone! Contact us at Klenda Seafood today!