Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons corn oil
- 1 pound cleaned, uncooked lobster shells (from about three 1 3/4-pound lobsters), coarsely chopped
- 1/4 cup brandy
- 2 medium cloves garlic, peeled and cut across into very thin slices
- 3 large shallots, peeled and cut across into very thin slices
- 1/4 small fennel bulb, cut across into very thin slices
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups water
Directions
- 1. Heat the oil in a large, wide pot over high heat until just smoking. Add the lobster shells and sear without stirring for 1 minute (the shells may stick to the pot). Stir them slightly and continue cooking, stirring from time to time until the shells are well browned but not burned, about 5 minutes.
- 2. Add the brandy, garlic, shallots, and fennel. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Stir in the tomato paste. Turn the heat to medium-low and cook until the vegetables are soft, about 3 minutes.
- 3. Stir in the water and bring to a boil. Boil for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand for 10 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing firmly down on the solids to extract as much of the flavorful liquid as possible (see Tip, below). Store, tightly covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
