Lobster Mac and Cheese

Ingredients
  

  • 1 16-ounce package elbow macaroni
  • 1 2-pound lobster, split
  • 2 tbsp. butter
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 shallot, chopped
  • 10 black peppercorns
  • 2 cups milk
  • 5 tbsp. butter
  • 5 tbsp. all-purpose flour
  • 1-pound Gruyere cheese, shredded
  • 3 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Romano cheese, grated
  • Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
  • 3 tbsp. panko bread crumbs

Instructions
 

  • Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
  • Once the water is boiling, stir in the macaroni, and return to a boil.
  • Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 8 minutes.
  • Reserve about 2 cups of the hot pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander set in the sink, and rinse with cold water to cool; set aside.
  • Return the pasta water to the large pot, and place the lobster halves in the pot, cut-side up.
  • Return the water to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and steam the lobster just until the meat firms and turns opaque, about 3 minutes.
  • Remove the lobster and allow to cool for a few minutes, then remove the meat and cut into bite sized pieces; reserve the shells.
  • Melt 2 tbsp. of butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
  • Stir in the onion and cook until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes; scrape the onions into a small bowl and set aside.
  • Place the reserved lobster shells, garlic, shallots, peppercorns, and milk into the saucepan.
  • Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, and cook for 20 minutes.
  • Pre-heat oven to 350°F.
  • Melt 5 tbsp. butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
  • Whisk in the flour, and stir until the mixture becomes paste-like and light golden brown, about 10 minutes.
  • Strain the milk through a mesh sieve.
  • Gradually whisk the milk into the flour mixture, and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  • Cook and stir until the mixture is thick and smooth, 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Stir the Gruyere, Cheddar, and Romano cheeses into the thickened milk mixture until melted and smooth.
  • Season to taste with salt and pepper, then stir in the reserved lobster, onions, and macaroni.
  • Pour the macaroni into a 4-quart casserole and smooth the top.
  • Sprinkle evenly with the panko crumbs.
  • Bake in the pre-heated oven until the sauce is bubbly, and the top is golden brown, 8 to 12 minutes.
0 0 votes
Article Rating
Social Media and Print
Subscribe
Notify of
guest

0 Comments
Most Voted
Newest Oldest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments