Lazy Lobster

Step 1

Put a large pot of water on to boil. Salt heavily: 1/4 cup per gallon. When water reaches a rolling boil, add lobsters headfirst, put on the lid and bring back to a boil. Continue boiling with lid slightly ajar, 8 minutes for a 1 1/2 pounder or 10 minutes for a 2 pounder. The lobster will not be fully cooked: It will cook further upon reheating.

Step 2

Remove lobsters from pot with tongs, and let cool in the kitchen sink. When lobsters are cool enough to handle, remove tails and claws (with knuckles attached) with a twisting motion. (Reserve bodies for another purpose or freeze for future use.)

Step 3

Using lobster crackers or mallet and kitchen shears, crack shells and remove meat from tail, knuckles and claws. For presentation, try to keep claw meat intact. Use a paring knife drawn down the middle of the tail meat to remove intestinal vein; rinse meat briefly if necessary. If you wish, wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, or proceed immediately with rest of recipe.

Step 4

To finish, put half the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add room-temperature lobster meat and bring to a low simmer. Turn heat to low, put on lid and cook for 5 minutes. Add remaining butter, turn off heat and cover for 5 more minutes.

Step 5

To serve, divide lobster meat into two warmed shallow soup bowls. Spoon butter evenly over each serving. Sprinkle with parsley, chives, dill, tarragon and chervil. Serve with lemon wedges, and dust with black pepper.