I have fond memories of ordering Lobster Pot Pie at “The Baltic”, a small hotel and restaurant in downtown Point Richmond. After a long, cold day sailing the waters of San Francisco Bay there is nothing better than the creamy goodness of a Lobster Pot Pie and a glass of our white blend.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 tbs olive oil
- 1 medium carrot, trimmed and cut into 1/2″ pieces
- 2 celery ribs cut into 1/2″ pieces
- 1 medium white onion cut into 1/2″ pieces
- 1 medium fennel bulb, trimmed and cored, cut into 1/2″ pieces
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 tbs tomato paste
- 2 cups La Vie Dansante Wine’s 2016 Aubade
- 3 cups water or preferably lobster broth simmered from the heads and shells of the Lobster
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2″ pieces
- 3 cups of corn kernels, fresh if possible, frozen if not
- 1 cup of peas, fresh if possible, frozen if not
- 1 tbs fresh chopped tarragon
- 1 tbs fresh chopped basil
- Kosher salt
- Ground white pepper
- 2 cups heavy cream
- Cooked meat from two 1 1/4 pound lobster – approximately 10 ounces
- 1 sheet of frozen/defrosted puff pastry dough
- 1 large egg for brushing
PREPARATION
– TO COOK THE LOBSTER
Bring a large pot of water to boil over high heat. Add the lobsters head first, cover the pot and cook for ten minutes. Using tongs transfer the lobster to a large bowl of ice water to stop the cooking and keep the meat tender. Once the lobsters have cooled, crack the tails, claws, and knuckles to retrieve the meat and cut it into 1/2″ chunks.
– TO MAKE LOBSTER BROTH
Transfer the heads and shells to a large saucepan. Cover with 5 cups of water and boil over high heat for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain the broth and discard the heads and shells.
– TO CREATE THE POT PIE
Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil begins to shimmer add the carrot, celery, onion, fennel, and garlic. Stir to coat and cook for about 8 minutes or until the mixture begins to brown. Clear a small space in the center of the pan and add the tomato paste. Cook for a minute or two then add the wine and stir to incorporate the ingredients, scraping up an brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
Cook until the liquid is reduced by half then stir in the water or lobster broth, the potatoes, and the corn. Cook for at least 20 minutes or until the liquid is reduced by half and the potatoes are barely tender. Add the tarragon and basil and season with salt an pepper to taste.
Stir in the cream and simmer for 15 minutes or until the liquid is again reduced by half, then stir in the lobster meat. Remove from the heat.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Using cooking spray, lightly grease the rims of four 6″ ramekins or similar sized soup bowls and place on a rimmed baking sheet. Cut the puff pastry to fit the ramekins or bowls, overlapping the edges slightly.
Pour the Pot Pie mixture equally into the bowls and cover with the puff pastry. Combine the egg and 1/4 cup of water to create an egg-wash. Brush the tops of the puff pasty with the wash and discard any remainder. Using a sharp knife, cut several slits into the tops of the puff pastry to allow steam to escape. Bake for 7 to 10 minutes, until golden brown. Let the pies rest several minutes before serving.
This recipe was adapted from “A Century of Restaurants: Stories and Recipes from America’s Most Historic and Successful Restaurants”