The Quigley Family Cookbook

Lobster Chowder
MOLLY O’NEILL
YIELD 6 servings
TIME 50 minutes

Alexandra C. Daley-Clark for The New York Times

Dick Bridges, a Maine lobsterman, gave this recipe to The Times in 2007, and we’ve adapted it here. It’s a stew that’s both humble and luxurious, making it the perfect dish to serve for a late-fall or winter dinner party.

Featured in: Sea Sends Distress Call In One Note Chowders.

New England, Soups And Stews, Lobster, Dinner, Appetizer, Main Course, Gluten Free Mark as Cooked 185 ratings

INGREDIENTS
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 medium onion, chopped in 1/2-inch dice
3 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
6 cups lobster broth (or cold water)
½ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
5 pounds steamed and shucked lobster, claws intact, tails cut in large bite-size pieces
3 cans evaporated milk
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 cup milk or cream, if necessary

PREPARATION
In a large pot over low heat, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter. Add the onion, stir, and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the potatoes and 6 cups broth or water, and bring to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 30 minutes, until potatoes begin to soften.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter. Add about a third of the lobster and sauté for about a minute or so. Set aside. Repeat with the remaining lobster and butter.
Add lobster to onion and potato mixture; stir over medium heat. Add canned milk and basil, taste, and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper. If mixture is too thick, add milk or cream. Serve.