Ingredients:
- 3 Tbsp Unsalted Butter
- 1 Tbsp Olive Oil (Extra Virgin preferred)
- 2 medium Shallots, finely minced
- 2 cloves Garlic, finely minced
- 1/2 cup Dry White Wine (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc)
- 5 cups High-Quality Lobster Stock (Crucial for flavour)
- 3/4 cup Heavy Cream (Minimum 35% fat content)
- 1/2 tsp Fresh Lemon Zest
- 2 Tbsp Fresh Chives or Parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 tsp White Pepper
- Kosher Salt, To taste (Start with 1/2 tsp)
Instructions:
- Melt 2 Tbsp of butter with the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the minced shallots. Cook gently for 5–7 minutes until they are translucent and soft, but not browned.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Ensure the garlic does not burn.
- Pour in the dry white wine. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a rapid simmer. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate key flavor.
- Reduce the wine until it is nearly evaporated—about 3–5 minutes. The mixture should be thick and syrupy.
- Pour in the lobster stock. Bring the mixture to a low boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a steady simmer.
- Simmer vigorously, uncovered, until the volume has reduced by half (approximately 8–10 minutes). The flavor should be intense and concentrated.
- Pour in the heavy cream. Stir well and bring the mixture back up to a gentle simmer. Do not allow the sauce to come to a rolling boil once the cream is added, as this risks splitting the emulsion.
- For a truly silky texture, pass the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pan, discarding the strained shallots and garlic.
- Return the strained sauce to low heat. Whisk in the white pepper and 1/2 tsp of salt. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
- Remove the pan from the heat. Whisk in the remaining 1 Tbsp of cold butter, piece by piece. This 'monter au beurre' technique adds gloss, richness, and thickness.
- Stir in the fresh lemon zest for final brightness.
- Toss the cooked lobster ravioli (or other pasta) directly into the sauce just before serving. Garnish heavily with fresh chives and parsley.