Discover the exquisite flavors of Arroz con Bogavante, a traditional Spanish lobster rice dish. This rich and flavorful recipe combines tender lobster with perfectly cooked rice, infused with aromatic spices and a savory seafood broth. Perfect for special occasions or a luxurious dinner, this dish is sure to impress. Follow our step-by-step guide to create this culinary masterpiece in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

- 2 live lobsters (about 1.5 pounds each)

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 1 onion, finely chopped

- 2 garlic cloves, minced

- 1 red bell pepper, diced

- 1 green bell pepper, diced

- 1 cup tomatoes, diced (or 1 can crushed tomatoes)

- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

- 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads

- 1 cup short-grain rice (such as Bomba or Arborio)

- 4 cups seafood or fish stock

- 1/2 cup white wine

- 1 cup frozen peas

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

- Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions:

Prepare the Lobster:

  - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lobsters and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until bright red. Remove the lobsters and let them cool slightly.

  - Once cool enough to handle, crack the lobster shells and remove the meat. Cut the lobster meat into chunks and set aside. Save the shells for flavoring the broth.

Cook the Base:

  - Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or paella pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.

  - Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Add the diced bell peppers and cook until they begin to soften, about 3 minutes.

Add Tomatoes and Spices:

  - Mix in the diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, and saffron threads. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and the flavors to meld together.

Add Rice and Liquid:

  - Stir in the rice, ensuring it is well coated with the tomato mixture. Pour in the white wine and cook for 2 minutes until the alcohol evaporates.

  - Add the seafood stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is nearly cooked.

Combine Lobster and Peas:

  - Gently fold in the lobster meat and frozen peas. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the lobster is heated through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Garnish and Serve:

  - Remove the pan from heat and let it sit for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Enjoy your homemade Arroz con Bogavante!

Nutritional Values:

Lobster:

 - Calories: 77

 - Protein: 16.5g

 - Fat: 0.9g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Cholesterol: 143mg

Benefits:

 - High in Protein: Supports muscle growth and repair.

 - Low in Fat: Beneficial for a heart-healthy diet.

 - Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Includes vitamin B12, zinc, and selenium, which support energy production, immune function, and antioxidant defense.

Olive Oil:

 - Calories: 120

 - Fat: 14g

 - Saturated Fat: 2g

 - Monounsaturated Fat: 10g

 - Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.5g

Benefits:

 - Rich in Monounsaturated Fats: Supports heart health by reducing LDL cholesterol levels.

 - Antioxidants: Contains vitamin E and polyphenols that help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.

Onion:

 - Calories: 64

 - Protein: 1.8g

 - Fat: 0.2g

 - Carbohydrates: 15g

 - Fiber: 2.7g

Benefits:

 - Rich in Antioxidants: Contains quercetin and sulfur compounds that may support heart health and reduce inflammation.

 - Good Source of Fiber: Aids in digestion and supports gut health.

Garlic:

 - Calories: 4

 - Protein: 0.2g

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

Benefits:

 - Contains Allicin: May help reduce blood pressure, improve heart health, and boost the immune system.

 - Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Can support overall health and wellness.

Bell Peppers:

 - Calories: 46

 - Protein: 1g

 - Fat: 0.5g

 - Carbohydrates: 11g

 - Fiber: 3g

Benefits:

 - High in Vitamin C: Supports immune function and skin health.

 - Antioxidants: Contains various antioxidants that protect against oxidative stress and inflammation.

Tomatoes:

 - Calories: 32

 - Protein: 1.6g

 - Fat: 0.4g

 - Carbohydrates: 7g

 - Fiber: 2g

Benefits:

 - Rich in Lycopene: An antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of certain cancers and support heart health.

 - Good Source of Vitamins A and C: Supports immune function, vision, and skin health.

Smoked Paprika:

 - Calories: 6

 - Protein: 0.3g

 - Fat: 0.3g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

Benefits:

 - Contains Capsaicin: May help boost metabolism and have anti-inflammatory effects.

 - Rich in Antioxidants: Supports overall health and may help reduce oxidative stress.

Saffron:

 - Calories: 6

 - Protein: 0.2g

 - Fat: 0.1g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

Benefits:

 - Mood-Enhancing: May help improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression.

 - Antioxidant Properties: Helps fight oxidative stress and support overall health.

Short-Grain Rice (Bomba or Arborio):

 - Calories: 160

 - Protein: 3g

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 36g

 - Fiber: 1g

Benefits:

 - Energy Source: Provides a good source of carbohydrates for energy.

 - Easy to Digest: Suitable for sensitive digestive systems.

Seafood or Fish Stock:

 - Calories: 20-30

 - Protein: 2g

 - Fat: 1g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits:

 - Rich in Minerals: Contains essential minerals like calcium and magnesium.

 - Flavor Enhancer: Adds depth of flavor to dishes without adding excessive calories.

White Wine:

 - Calories: 125

 - Protein: 0.2g

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 4g

Benefits:

 - Adds Flavor: Enhances the taste of the dish with minimal impact on overall nutrition.

 - Contains Antioxidants: May offer some health benefits in moderation.

Frozen Peas:

 - Calories: 62

 - Protein: 4g

 - Fat: 0.2g

 - Carbohydrates: 11g

 - Fiber: 4g

Benefits:

 - High in Fiber: Supports digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar levels.

 - Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Includes vitamins A, C, and K, and minerals like iron and magnesium.

Fresh Parsley:

 - Calories: 5

 - Protein: 0.5g

 - Fat: 0.1g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Fiber: 0.5g

Benefits:

 - Rich in Vitamins: High in vitamins A, C, and K, which support immune health, vision, and bone health.

 - Antioxidant Properties: Helps fight oxidative stress and support overall health.

This information highlights the nutritional benefits of the ingredients in Arroz con Bogavante, making it both a delicious and health-conscious choice.