Enchilado de Langosta y Camarones (Lobster Creole)
Although a bit annoying once it gets to the plate, you definitely want to leave the shells on the lobster tails. It gives the sauce a much deeper flavor. Go ahead and de-tail the shrimp. You don’t want to fight with your food too long before you dig in.
6 – 8 Spiny (or Florda) Lobster tails
1-2 pounds peeled, de-veined, de-tailed shrimp
1/2 cup olive oil
2 large onions, finely chopped
4-6 garlic cloves, minced
1 large red sweet pepper, finely chopped
1 bunch italian parsley, finely chopped
1 bay leaf
1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 6 oz. can tomato paste
1 15 oz. can crushed tomatoes
3/4 cup ketchup
1/2 cup white wine
1 tbsp. white wine vinegar
salt and pepper to taste
1 small can pimentos, minced
1 tsp. tabasco (or your favorite hot sauce)
Cut lobster tails into 3 rings. Place a large pot over medium heat. When it’s hot, add the olive oil, shrimp and lobster rings. Saute until the shrimp turn opaque and the lobster shells turn bright red, about 5 minutes. Remove to a bowl with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Saute the onions, garlic, red pepper and bay leaf in the remaining oil for about 10 minutes, or until the onions are completely translucent and soft.
Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, ketchup, parsley, Wocestershire sauce, white wine, vinegar and pimentos. Bring to a steady simmer, about 15 minutes. Add
salt and pepper to taste.
Return the seafood to the pot and simmer uncovered for 15 – 20 minutes. You want to make sure not to overcook the seafood or it will be tough. Stir in your desired amount of hot sauce.
Serve immediately with white rice and a big loaf of bread to sop up the sauce.
Makes 10 – 12 servings.