Roast Maine Lobster on a Garlic and White Bean Bruschetta

Roasted lobster with garlic, pepper flakes, lemon, and fennel seed tops a velvety bean purée on grilled country bread. Recipe created by Chef Alejandro H. Rave, Hilltop House Restaurant, 1995, Ellsworth, Maine.

Recipe Ingredients:

2 tablespoon olive oil, extra virgin
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
1 pinch red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon sage
2 cups cannellini beans, cooked
To taste salt and pepper
24 slices country bread, halved, then sliced 1/2-inch thick
1 garlic clove, whole
6 quarts water
1 tablespoon salt
3 lobsters, 1 1/2 pounds each
2 shallots, finely chopped
2 garlic clove, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 lemon, zest only
1 tablespoon fennel seeds, toasted, crushed
To taste salt and pepper
2-ounces olive oil, extra virgin
1-ounce fresh parsley, coarsely chopped

Cooking Directions:

1. For the Bean Purée: Place the olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, and herbs in a medium sauté pan. Cook over low heat for 5 minutes.
2. Add the beans, salt, and pepper to taste. Cook over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, or until the flavors meld.
3. Place in a food processor and process until smooth. If the mixture seems dry, add a little water and extra virgin olive oil to achieve a creamy texture. Keep warm.
4. Meanwhile, grill the bread on both sides. Wipe one side of the bread with the whole garlic, and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
5. In a very large stock pot over high heat, bring the water to a boil and add the salt.
6. Kill the lobsters by inserting that point of a large knife into the back of the shell where the tail meets the body. Add the lobsters to the boiling water and blanch for 2 minutes. Remove the lobsters and drain them.
7. Remove the claws and pull the meat from the shell, cut through the head and tail lengthwise, and pull out the tail meat in two whole pieces. Slice into 1/2-inch thick medallions.
8. Combine with olive oil, shallots, chopped garlic, pepper flakes, lemon zest, and crushed fennel seeds in a bowl. Season well with salt and pepper.
9. To Roast the Lobsters: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
10. When ready to cook, heat a sauté pan in the hot oven. Add the lobster with some of the oil to the pan, toss, and place back in the oven to finish cooking, tossing periodically.
11. Remove from oven when the lobster is cooked, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the chopped parsley so it sizzles.
12. While the lobster is cooking, spoon the bean purée on the bread. As soon as the lobster comes out of the oven, top the warm white bean bruschetta with the lobster and drizzle with a few drops of the parsley oil.

Makes about 24 appetizers.

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of Maine Lobster Promotion Council.