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Langouste à la Vanille is a unique and luxurious dish from the islands of the Indian Ocean, particularly Madagascar. This recipe blends the richness of fresh lobster with the delicate sweetness of vanilla, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. An ideal meal for special occasions, it brings exotic flair and elegance to the table.
Ingredients
4 lobster tails (about 2 lb / 1 kg)
1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
2 tbsp (30 g) butter
1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
1 cup (250 ml) heavy cream
1/2 cup (125 ml) white wine
1 clove garlic, minced
1 small shallot, finely chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Lobster: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the lobster tails for about 4-5 minutes until they turn bright red. Remove from the water and let them cool slightly before cutting them in half lengthwise. Set aside.
Make the Vanilla Sauce: In a large skillet, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and shallots, cooking until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
Infuse with Vanilla: Add the white wine and vanilla seeds to the skillet, stirring to combine. Let the wine reduce by half, which will take about 3-4 minutes.
Finish the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir well, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and let it simmer for 5-6 minutes to develop the flavors. Keep warm.
Sear the Lobster: Heat a separate pan over medium heat and sear the lobster tails, flesh side down, for about 2-3 minutes until slightly browned. Flip them over and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
Combine: Transfer the lobster tails into the skillet with the vanilla sauce and cook for another 2-3 minutes, basting the lobster with the sauce to infuse the flavors.
Serving
Serve the Langouste à la Vanille on a large platter, drizzling the remaining vanilla sauce over the lobster tails. Garnish with fresh parsley and pair with jasmine rice or roasted vegetables for an exquisite dining experience.
Langouste à la Vanille is a true culinary masterpiece, offering a delightful combination of lobster’s natural sweetness with the rich, aromatic essence of vanilla. This dish is perfect for anyone looking to impress with a unique and flavorful meal.