Whole Spiny Lobsters Split And Stuffed With Hearts Of Palm Slaw Food

HEARTS OF PALM PARM

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F with a rack set on the middle shelf. Place the hearts of palm onto several layers of paper towels to absorb any excess liquid. Season lightly with salt.
• Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large high-sided skillet over medium to medium-high heat until it just starts to shimmer. Sear the hearts of palm until golden brown on both sides, 2 to 4 minutes total. You may need to do this in two batches to avoid crowding the skillet. Transfer to a baking sheet or large plate. Discard the used oil and wipe out the skillet.
• Add the remaining oil to the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook until softened and lightly browned, stirring occasionally, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until just softened, stirring constantly, about 1 minute. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon salt and fish sauce if using. Bring to a boil, and then reduce to a simmer. Simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes.
• Season with additional salt if needed. Carefully pour the sauce into a 13- by 9-inch baking dish. Add the browned hearts of palm to the sauce in a single layer and sprinkle all over with the grated cheese. Bake until the cheese is lightly golden brown, about 10 minutes. Allow to sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving. Top with the basil.
• To serve, divide the warm polenta among 6 bowls and top with the hearts of palm and tomato sauce.

PALM HEART SALAD

Steps:

• To make the dressing: Mix the first 4 ingredients and then drizzle olive oil in slowly while stirring constantly. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
• Assemble all the salad ingredients in a bowl and serve the dressing on the side.

WHOLE GRILLED PACIFIC SPINY LOBSTER WITH MANGO PAPAYA SALSA

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Plunge the lobsters into the boiling water, cook for 8 minutes. Remove carefully and submerge in a bowl of ice water to immediately stop the cooking. Split the lobsters in half lengthwise and rinse out the head cavity and any veins that may be in the tail. Set aside.
• Toss the papayas, mangos and tomatoes in a mixing bowl with the lime juice and cayenne and salt, to taste. Allow to sit for 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high heat.
• When ready to serve, brush a small amount of oil on the lobster meat and place the lobsters meat side down on the hot grill. Grill until lobster meat is lightly charred, about 4 minutes. Turn and cook the shell side until lobster is heated through, about 3 minutes more. Remove the lobster meat from the shell. Add the mint to salsa, mix, and put on serving plates. Serve the lobster meat on top of the salsa.