Lobster stew facts for kids
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Type | Soup |
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Place of origin | Spain, United States |
Region or state | Menorca, Maine |
Main ingredients | Lobster |
Lobster stew is a delicious and hearty dish made with lobster meat. It's a type of soup or stew that is popular in many places around the world. Two of the most famous versions come from the island of Menorca in Spain and the state of Maine in the United States.
Contents
Lobster Stew in Spain
In Spain, there are different kinds of lobster stews, especially in the region of Catalonia.
Menorcan Lobster Stew
Perhaps the most famous Spanish lobster stew is the caldera de llagosta from Menorca. This dish is a true symbol of Menorcan cooking.
To make it, fresh lobster is cooked with a special sauce called sofrito. A sofrito is a mix of finely chopped onions, tomatoes, garlic, and parsley, all cooked slowly until they are soft and flavorful. The lobster and sofrito are boiled together to create a rich stew. People usually enjoy caldera de llagosta with thin slices of bread, which are perfect for soaking up the tasty broth.
This special stew is so popular that even the monarchy of Spain has been known to visit Menorca just to enjoy it!
When to Enjoy Menorcan Lobster Stew
You can only find caldera de llagosta during spring and summer, usually from March to August. This is because local lobsters are protected by rules that only allow them to be caught during these months. This helps make sure there are always enough lobsters for the future.
Other Spanish Lobster Dishes
There is a very similar recipe called langosta a la catalana. This version also includes saffron, green peppers, wine, and brandy to give it a different flavor.
Lobster Stew in New England
In the United States, lobster stew is very popular, especially in Maine. Maine is famous for its delicious lobsters.
Maine lobster stew is often compared to New England clam chowder because both dishes use a milk-based broth. However, unlike many other lobster dishes in Maine that use whole lobsters, this stew uses lobster meat that has already been taken out of its shell. This makes it easier to eat and enjoy!
See also
In Spanish: Caldereta de langosta para niños