Lobster alla plancha with saffron aioli

Name: Lobster alla plancha with saffron aioli
Cook time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Spanish
Ingredients: 2 large raw lobster tails; 2 tbsp olive oil; Sea salt and pepper; Bunch wild rocket or watercress; 2 tomatoes, finely diced; 1 tbsp lemon juice; For the saffron aioli; 2 egg yolks; 1 garlic clove, crushed; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1/2 tsp sea salt; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 100ml sunflower oil; 100ml olive oil; Good pinch of saffron threads

Jill Dupleix

October 19, 2011

Time:< 30 minsServes:4

What could be more perfect and more luxurious on Christmas Day than grilled lobster with the silky richness of saffron aioli?

Ingredients

2 large raw lobster tails
2 tbsp olive oil
Sea salt and pepper
Bunch wild rocket or watercress
2 tomatoes, finely diced
1 tbsp lemon juice
For the saffron aioli
2 egg yolks
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp sea salt
2 tbsp lemon juice
100ml sunflower oil
100ml olive oil
Good pinch of saffron threads

Method

For the saffron aioli, whiz the yolks, garlic, mustard, salt and lemon juice in a blender or processor. Very gradually, add sunflower oil, then olive oil, blending until thick, smooth and silky. Crush saffron in 1 tbsp boiling water and beat into aioli. Refrigerate until needed.
Heat a flat or ribbed barbecue grill. Cut the lobster tails in half lengthwise. Brush the cut sides with olive oil, season well, then cook shell side down for 10 minutes, until nearly cooked through. Turn and cook flesh side down for 3 mins until coloured.
Toss the rocket with tomato, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
Serve lobster on top with a big dollop of aioli.