Embark on a culinary journey to the picturesque islands of Cape Verde, where the fusion of African, Portuguese, and Brazilian influences gives rise to an exquisite gastronomic experience. One such culinary masterpiece is the renowned "Lagosta Grelhada" – Grilled Lobster. This delectable dish celebrates the abundance of fresh seafood found in the azure waters surrounding these captivating islands. With its simple yet flavorful preparation, Lagosta Grelhada encapsulates the essence of Cape Verdean cuisine, offering a taste of the sun-kissed shores and vibrant culture of this enchanting archipelago. Join us as we explore the secrets behind creating this tantalizing seafood delight that will transport your taste buds to the idyllic shores of Cape Verde.

Ingredients:

• 2 lobsters (about 1 to 1.5 pounds each), split in half lengthwise
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions:

1- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

2- In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, melted butter, olive oil, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the garlic butter sauce.

3- Place the lobster halves, shell side down, on the preheated grill.

4- Brush the garlic butter sauce generously over the exposed lobster meat.

5- Grill the lobster for about 5-7 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and cooked through, and the shells are charred and slightly crispy.

6- Carefully remove the grilled lobster from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter.

7- Serve the grilled lobster immediately, with extra garlic butter sauce on the side for dipping, and lemon wedges for squeezing over the lobster meat.

8- Enjoy your Lagosta Grelhada - Grilled Lobster, savoring the succulent flavors of the sea with each buttery, garlicky bite. Bon appétit!

Nutritional Values:

Here's an approximate nutritional breakdown for the listed ingredients:

Lobster (1 to 1.5 pounds):

• Calories: 90-135 kcal
• Protein: 19-28 g
• Fat: 0.5-1 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 100-150 mg
• Sodium: 350-500 mg (depending on salting)

benefits:

• Rich source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Low in fat and carbohydrates.
• Contains omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for heart health.
• Good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, zinc, and selenium.

Garlic (4 cloves):

• Calories: 18 kcal
• Protein: 0.8 g
• Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0.2 g
• Sugars: 0.2 g

benefits:

• Contains compounds like allicin, which have antibacterial and antiviral properties.
• May help lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels.
• Rich in antioxidants that support overall health and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Unsalted Butter (1/4 cup):

• Calories: 407 kcal
• Protein: 0.5 g
• Fat: 46 g
• Saturated Fat: 29 g
• Trans Fat: 1.8 g
• Cholesterol: 122 mg
• Sodium: 4 mg
• Carbohydrates: 0.1 g

benefits:

• Good source of healthy fats, including saturated and monounsaturated fats.
• Contains fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A, E, and K.
• Adds richness and flavor to dishes.

Olive Oil (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 239 kcal
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.7 g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Vitamin E: 2 mg
• Vitamin K: 11 μg

benefits:

• High in monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy.
• Rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin E and polyphenols, which may reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
• May help improve cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped):

• Calories: 2 kcal
• Protein: 0.2 g
• Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 0.4 g
• Fiber: 0.2 g
• Sugars: 0.1 g

benefits:

• Excellent source of vitamin K, essential for blood clotting and bone health.
• Contains antioxidants like vitamin C and flavonoids, which may protect against cellular damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
• May have anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties.

Salt and Black Pepper:

• Calories: 0 kcal
• Protein: 0 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Sodium: varies based on quantity used

benefits:

• Enhance the flavor of dishes.
• Salt provides sodium, an essential electrolyte that helps maintain fluid balance in the body.
• Black pepper contains piperine, which may enhance nutrient absorption and have antioxidant properties.

Lemon Wedges (for serving):

• Calories: 4 kcal
• Protein: 0.1 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1.4 g
• Fiber: 0.2 g
• Sugars: 0.4 g

benefits:

• Rich in vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health.
• Contains flavonoids, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Adds refreshing acidity and bright flavor to dishes.

Please note that these values are approximate and may vary based on factors such as the size of the ingredients and specific brands used. Additionally, the nutritional content can be influenced by cooking methods and additional seasonings.