Dive into the rich flavors of the Mediterranean with our mouthwatering Astakos Plaki—Greek lobster in a luscious tomato sauce paired with fragrant saffron rice! This exquisite dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also brings a touch of elegance to your dining table. Imagine succulent lobster meat bathed in a savory tomato sauce, perfectly complemented by the aromatic saffron rice. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself to a gourmet meal at home, this recipe promises to deliver a culinary experience that’s both simple and sophisticated. Ready to embark on a delicious journey? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lobsters
- 400g canned tomatoes
- 1 onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp saffron threads
- 200g rice
- 50ml olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the lobsters by cleaning and separating the meat from the shells. Keep the shells for additional flavor if desired.
- Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the onions until translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Pour in the canned tomatoes, breaking them down with a wooden spoon. Simmer the tomato sauce for 10 minutes, allowing it to reduce and concentrate flavors.
- Season the tomato sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Add a pinch of saffron threads to enhance the aromatic profile.
- Gently place the lobster meat into the tomato sauce, ensuring it is evenly coated. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the lobster is just cooked through.
- In a separate pot, prepare the saffron rice by toasting the rice briefly in olive oil, then adding water and saffron threads.
- Cook the rice according to package instructions, typically 15-18 minutes, until tender and infused with saffron color.
- Plate the saffron rice and carefully arrange the lobster in tomato sauce on top.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill, and serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Lobster: For the best flavor, opt for fresh lobsters if available. If using frozen, ensure they are properly thawed before cooking.
- Enhance the Tomato Sauce: Feel free to add a splash of white wine to the tomato sauce for an extra layer of depth and flavor.
- Saffron Infusion: To maximize the flavor of saffron, steep the threads in warm water or broth for a few minutes before adding them to the rice.
- Rice Perfection: Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch, which will yield a fluffier texture.
- Garnish Creatively: Fresh herbs like parsley or dill not only enhance the presentation but also add a burst of freshness to the dish.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair your Astakos Plaki with a crisp Greek salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare the tomato sauce in advance and simply add the lobster right before serving for a quick and elegant meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
