Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Lobster Heart Bites: Elegant Little Croquettes for a Truly Luxurious Starter
Delicate, heart-shaped lobster croquettes coated in crisp golden breadcrumbs - an elegant Sicilian-inspired starter perfect for celebrations and refined dinners.
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 700 g lobster meat
- ✓ 30 g butter
- ✓ 50 g plain flour
- ✓ 200 ml milk
- ✓ Extra-virgin olive oil, for frying
- ✓ Breadcrumbs
- ✓ A handful of chopped parsley
- ✓ Salt
- ✓ 1 egg
📊 Nutritional Information
These dainty lobster “hearts” are a celebration of refined Sicilian cooking - indulgent, playful and irresistibly elegant. Think of them as little golden croquettes with a luxurious centre: sweet lobster folded through a silky béchamel, then shaped, crumbed and fried until crisp.
Traditionally enjoyed at festive tables and long, indulgent holiday lunches, they bring a touch of sophistication to any special occasion. Their delicate flavour is lifted beautifully by a glass of good Sicilian wine, making them a standout dish for dinner parties or romantic evenings.
Created by Laura Lombardo, this recipe is an homage to the island’s flair for turning precious ingredients into memorable dishes. Each bite offers a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy and deeply savoury - guaranteed to enchant even the most discerning guests.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Cook the lobster, remove the meat from the shell, and finely chop it.
- 2
Prepare a béchamel by heating butter, flour and milk together. Off the heat, stir in the chopped lobster and parsley.
- 3
Season with salt, mix well, and spread the mixture onto a plate to cool completely.
- 4
Once cool, shape into small patties. Coat in breadcrumbs, dip in beaten egg, then coat again in breadcrumbs.
- 5
Fry the lobster patties in extra-virgin olive oil until golden.
- 6
Use a heart-shaped cutter to create the final “heart” shapes.
- 7
Serve the warm lobster hearts on an elegant platter and get ready to impress your guests.
💡 Tips and Variations
For an extra layer of flavour, add a pinch of white pepper to the béchamel. If you want a lighter version, bake the patties in the oven instead of frying.
📦 Storage
- • Ensure the croquettes are fully cooled before storing.
- • Refrigerate for 2–3 days, covered in cling film.
- • Freeze before frying by placing on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
🍷 Pairing
A glass of Sciacca Riserva Rayana makes an excellent match - its structure and minerality beautifully complement the sweetness of the lobster.
Thank you for following along. I hope these lobster hearts bring a touch of elegance to your table and leave your guests delightfully impressed. Enjoy creating and sharing them!
Rate this recipe
Click or tap the stars to rate
Potrebbero interessarti anche:
-
Sicilian Batter-Fried Artichokes - A Crisp and Golden Festive Treat Starters Christmas Recipes Quick RecipesCrisp, golden and irresistibly light - discover these Sicilian batter-fried artichokes, perfect as a festive starter or an indulgent winter treat.
-
Crispy Prickly Pear Peel Cutlets - A True Sicilian Surprise Starters Quick RecipesDiscover this delightfully unexpected Sicilian antipasto where humble prickly pear peels are transformed into golden, crunchy cutlets.
-
Fried Tuma Cassatedde – Crisp Sicilian Parcels with a Savoury Heart StartersDiscover fried tuma cassatedde - crisp, golden Sicilian parcels filled with tomatoes, anchovies and fresh herbs, perfect for outdoor lunches and rustic antipasti.
-
Grilled Tomatoes with Herby Breadcrumbs - A Perfect Summer Starter Starters Side Dishes and VegetablesJuicy grilled tomatoes coated in aromatic herbed breadcrumbs - a simple, sun-kissed Sicilian starter ideal for any summer table.
-
Ricotta Fritters: A Sicilian Antipasto Worth Savouring StartersDiscover these irresistible Sicilian ricotta fritters - a quick, easy antipasto bursting with Mediterranean flavour.