SERVES 4

This Venetian recipe showcases fresh lobster in a vividly flavorful way.

1  1-lb. live Maine lobster
3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
1 cup tocai friulano or other dry Friuli white wine
4 ripe tomatoes, cored and chopped
Salt
12 oz. spaghetti
4 sprigs parsley, trimmed and chopped

1. Plunge a sharp knife into top of lobster's head just behind its eyes (to kill it quickly); chop into 8–10 pieces.

2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add lobster and any juices and garlic; cook, stirring and turning the lobster pieces, for 1 minute. Add wine and cook until alcohol has evaporated, about 3 minutes. Add tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally and breaking tomatoes down with the back of a wooden spoon, until sauce gets smoother and thickens slightly, about 10 minutes. Season to taste with salt.

3. Meanwhile, cook spaghetti in a large pot of boiling salted water over high heat until just tender, 11–13 minutes. Drain, add pasta to sauce, stirring well, and cook a few minutes more. Serve garnished with parsley.