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Lobster Potjiekos seems like a luxurious update to any menu and diet. Fortunately, lobster is also keto-friendly. It is high in protein and has some fat too. The best part is that it has zero carbs. Lobster is also a good source of selenium, calcium, iron, copper, and vitamin A. It also contains vitamin B12, vitamin E, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, and omega-3 fatty acids.
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The crustacean looks quite intimidating and menacing, but it is such a softie inside (pun intended)! The flesh of fresh lobsters is succulent and quite the delicacy if prepared well. While steaming and boiling are the easiest and most common ways to cook lobsters, we have something new for you today.
The Lobster Potjiekos recipe is from the southern tip of the African continent. This recipe fits into the keto diet really well and you’ll wow your family with it.
What is Lobster Potjiekos?
Potjiekos translates to ‘small pot food’. Kos means food while potjie means a little pot. We do love dishes that require only one pot to cook. This is no ordinary pot though, it is a cast iron three-legged pot. This pot and its lid are heavy. The heaviness of the cast iron lid creates a pressure-cooker-like effect.
Traditionally the food is cooked in this iron pot over the fire/coals. These days you could make it in any pot over any heat source.
Usually, potjiekos is made over the weekends, and it is specially reserved for those family evenings. The family gathers around and shares anecdotes, plays games and spends time together while the ‘kos’ gets ready.
Some people insist that traditional potjiekos is cooked in layers. This recipe however resembles a stew, and you could safely call it a curry.
Serves 6-8
Ingredients for Lobster Potjiekos
- lobster tails (cleaned and cut into two if they are very large)
Note- you can use frozen chopped lobster meat or frozen lobster tails if needed.
- frozen seafood variety mix (optional)
- large onions (chopped)
- large tomatoes (chopped)
- green peppers (thinly sliced, optional)
- button mushrooms (sliced, optional)
- cup olive oil
- plain greek yogurt
- water
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- green chillies (split them in half)
- garlic paste
- ginger paste
- turmeric powder
- coriander powder
- cumin powder
- chili powder
- Five spice powder
Instructions for Lobster Potjiekos Recipe:
- Heat the oil in the pot.
- Add the chopped onions and saute till light brown.
- Add in the green chillies, ginger paste and garlic paste. Stir until the aroma arises.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they are soft enough to be mashed with a spoon. Make sure that the mixture is not sticking to the bottom of the pot. Add a few drops of water if required.
- At this point, add in the turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder and cumin powder. Mix well to combine. You have the option of adding a frozen seafood mix for more flavor and variety.
- Now it is time to add the lobster tails, yogurt and salt. Add in the mushrooms and green peppers if using them. Stir gently. Let it cook on high heat for about 5 minutes.
Add the water, cover and simmer. Let it cook in this way for approximately 15 minutes or until the lobster meat is cooked and the shells take on a bright hue. - Add in the whole spice powder.
- Give it just a minute and take it off the heat.
- Some chopped cilantro would be great as a garnish.
- Serve hot with some cauliflower rice, Keto Bread or Low Carb Dinner Rolls.
Equipment:
Equipment can have a big impact on how the Lobster Potjiekos Recipe recipe turns out. For this recipe you need a heavy soup pot. Something like this dutch oven is what we used while trying this recipe out.
StorageLobster Potjiekos
You can store any leftovers for a day or two in a sealed container in the fridge. But, this recipe is best served fresh. You can easily cut it in half if you don’t have a large crowd to feed.
You may freeze this recipe in portioned containers but the texture of the lobster will change after thawing.
Top tip
Don’t toss the lobster shells when you are finished. Freeze them to later use in Keto Lobster Bisque. The shells impart a deep, rich flavor.
FAQ’s
What is the most humane way to prepare a lobster?
Experts recommend that you freeze the lobster for about 15 minutes before boiling/cooking it. The second recommended method is to kill it with a knife just before cooking it. You will need to plunge the knife vertically between its eyes and then bring it down until it is horizontal. This cut across the head kills the lobster instantly.
How long should I cook Lobster?
The time to cook lobsters depends on the weight of individual lobsters, not the weight of all of them together. Doubling the cooking time because there is a larger quantity of lobsters is a mistake.
How do you tell when the lobster is properly cooked?
If you want to check if the lobster meat is done, look for these signs:
1. The shell gets a bright red hue.
2. The meat is creamy opaque and not translucent.
3. If you can check with a thermometer, the internal temperature should be around 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
More Seafood Recipes
SEE ALL FISH
Fish and seafood are an important pat of the Keto diet. Not to mention, super delicious. It’s packed wit omegas, vitamins and minerals. Check out these easy recipes…
Keto Cauliflower Fried Rice with Shrimp for Weight Loss
Baked Lobster Tail Recipe
Easy Salmon Piccata Recipe
I hope you love this spicy and impressive dish as much as we do.
Cheers! Brandy
Lobster Potjiekos Recipe
Brandy
If you're looking for a delightful seafood recipe, this succulent lobster potjiekos recipe is sure to impress. Potjiekos is a traditional South African stew, typically cooked over an open flame in a cast iron pot. In this version, the flavors of tender lobster are enhanced by a medley of aromatic vegetables and spices. The stew is then slowly cooked to perfection, resulting in a rich, savory flavor that will leave your taste buds wanting more. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a novice, this recipe is a great way to showcase your culinary skills and impress your friends and family.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 50 minutes mins
Course dinner
Cuisine African, Keto
Servings 8 servings
Calories 202 kcal
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lobster tails cleaned and cut into two if they are large
- 1 pound frozen seafood mix optional
- 2 onions chopped
- 3 tomatoes chopped
- 2 green peppers thinly sliced, optional
- 8 oz button mushrooms sliced, optional
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- ½ cup plain greek yogurt
- ½ cup water
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 3 – 4 green chillies split them in half
- 1 ½ tsp garlic paste
- 1 ½ tsp ginger paste
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 2 tsp coriander powder
- 2 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp five spice powder
Instructions
Heat the oil in the pot. Add the chopped onions and saute till light brown.
Add in the green chillies, ginger paste and garlic paste. Stir until the aroma arises.
Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they are soft enough to be mashed with a spoon. Make sure that the mixture is not sticking to the bottom of the pot. Add a few drops of water if required.
At this point, add in the turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder and cumin powder. Mix well to combine. You have the option of adding a frozen seafood mix for more flavor and variety.
Now it is time to add the lobster tails, yogurt and salt. Add in the mushrooms and green peppers if using them. Stir gently. Let it cook on high heat for about 5 minutes.
Add the water, cover and simmer. Let it cook in this way for approximately 15 minutes or until the lobster meat is cooked and the shells take on a bright hue.
Add in the whole spice powder. Give it a minute and take it off the heat. Some chopped cilantro would be great as a garnish.
Serve hot with some cauliflower rice, mushroom rice or low carb bread.
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Nutrition
Serving: 1/8 recipeCalories: 202kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 17gFat: 11gSodium: 718mgFiber: 3gNet Carbs: 8gFat Ratio per Serving: 49.01%Protein Ratio per Serving: 33.66%Carb Ratio per Serving: 15.84%
Keyword Lobster, seafood
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