Grilled Lobster Tails with Mashed Jerusalem Artichokes, Sauteed Asparagus, and Lemon-Tarragon Butter
- 2 (1 1/2 pound) live lobsters
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and diced Jerusalem artichokes
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 5 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 6 asparagus spears (pencil thick)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon leaves, plus sprigs, for garnish
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Set a large 2 to 3 gallon stockpot to boil over high heat.
- Once the water comes to a boil, immerse the lobsters in the pot.
- Cook the lobsters for 3 minutes, remove, and chill immediately in an ice bath.
- Once the lobsters are cool enough to handle, remove from the water and place on a kitchen towel draped over a cutting board.
- Twist the tails off the lobsters, and cut the tails in half lengthwise using a large chef's knife (score along the length of the tail).
- Set the cut tails aside, and crack the shells of the claws to remove the meat.
- Reserve the claw meat for pasta or a salad for a later date.
- Place the Jerusalem artichokes in a 1-quart saucepan, and cover with water.
- Set over high heat and bring to a boil.
- Once the water comes to a boil, cook the artichokes for 15 minutes, or until easily pierced with a knife.
- Remove from the heat, drain, and place the artichokes in a food processor with the heavy cream, 1 tablespoon of butter, 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of white pepper.
- Process the artichokes for 10 to 15 seconds, or until a smooth puree is formed.
- Remove from the bowl of the food processor, and place in a heat resistant bowl set over a water bath to keep warm.
- Trim the ends off of the asparagus and blanch in boiling water for 2 minutes.
- After 2 minutes, remove from the water and cool in ice water.
- Once the asparagus is cool enough to handle, remove from the ice water and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Cut the asparagus into thirds on a bias.
- Set a small saucepan over a low heat and add 4 tablespoons of the remaining butter, the lemon zest, and the lemon juice.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld, and season with a pinch of salt, white pepper, and the chopped tarragon.
- Set aside, but keep warm.
- To finish the dish, set the grill on medium-high.
- Brush the lobster tails with the olive oil on the cut end, and season with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of white pepper.
- Place the tails, cut-side down, on the grill, and cook for 3 minutes.
- Rotate 45 degrees, and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
- Turn the lobsters over and cook for 2 minutes.
- While the lobsters are cooking on the shell side, place a small skillet over medium-high heat, and once the pan is hot, add the remaining 1 teaspoon of butter and saute the asparagus, tossing, for 1 minute.
- Season lightly with salt and white pepper.
- To plate the dish, divide the Jerusalem artichoke puree evenly between 2 warmed dinner plates or wide shallow bowls.
- Arrange the asparagus around the artichoke puree, and place the lobster tails on top of the puree.
- Pour 2 tablespoons of the lemon- tarragon butter over each serving of lobster and garnish with additional tarragon if desired.
- Serve immediately.
live lobsters, artichokes, heavy cream, unsalted butter, salt, ground white pepper, lemon zest, lemon juice, tarragon, olive oil
Taken from www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/grilled-lobster-tails-with-mashed-jerusalem-artichokes-sauteed-asparagus-and-lemon-tarragon-butter-recipe.html (may not work)