One Pot Tomato Basil Lobster and Herbed Pearl Couscous.

One Pot Tomato Basil Lobster and Herbed Pearl Couscous. Burst cherry tomatoes, bacon, lobster, herbs, and pearl couscous all simmered together in white wine with a touch of lemon. This is a one pot dinner that feels fancy, but is actually so easy, so flavorful, and just really delicious. Perfect for late summer and early fall evenings.

There’s really nothing I love more right now than a one pot dinner made entirely on the stove and in thirty minutes. Like the rest of you, my kitchen is hot during these August days and even though I am not the least bit afraid of turning on my oven (because we all need a good peach cake in our lives), I still love and appreciate a dinner that doesn’t require heating up my entire house any more than it already is.

For those of you who are refusing to turn on your oven, this is your dinner. For those of you who simply love an easy, no fuss lobster meal, that will impress anyone and everyone, this is your dinner too.

This is one of those recipes that just came together randomly, and I am so happy it did.

Since I returned from New York and Cleveland early this week, I have been having a pretty hard time back in the kitchen. Most of my recipes have been good, but I’ve also had more flops than usual, photos have been tricky, I’ve broken two of my favorite dishes, and burnt an entire batch of cookies. It’s made life just a little bit harder than I would like.

No big deal, all is good, weeks like this happen, it’s all just a part of the creative process. As my dad always says, “you have to have bad days to know what a great day is”.

Question: what do you do when you have bad days? Any tips on staying inspired?

Anyway, it’s safe to say I was so happy when I made this and it turned out so delicious. My first attempt at this dish was actually a few weeks ago. I had made lobster tails and tomato broth, and while it was good, I thought it was just a little too boring to share, so I waited until I had a more exciting idea, and then this came along and I fell in love.

It’s all things savory, a little spicy, heavy on the tomatoes, and loaded with herbs and summertime lobster.

It’s GOOD.

On to the Details.

I’ve found that all my best one pot recipes start the same way, with a little bacon. OK. Fine, that’s not really true, but I love the combo of crispy bacon, buttery lobster, and fresh tomatoes. It can’t be beat.

So start with some thick cut bacon, and cook until it is extra crispy.

To the same skillet, add a mix of tomato slices, cherry tomatoes, garlic, and harissa spice. Yes, harissa spice. I know that this Moroccan spice might throw you off a bit, but trust me here. The harissa spice adds so much flavor, heat, and color. It’s complex and gives this lobster dish that “something extra special” vibe. Again, go with me on this.

If you’re new to harissa spice, it’s a mix of Moroccan spices, like chili peppers and paprika. I usually just pick mine up from Whole Foods. If you can’t find harissa spice, look for harissa sauce. And if you can’t find that? Just add a pinch of cayenne pepper and a pinch of smoky paprika.

Once the tomatoes have begun to burst, it’s time to add the wine, couscous and lobster. Simmer until the couscous is tender and the lobster is cooked. Then add fresh herbs and DONE.

You see? Quick, easy, and basically perfect.

This would be great served for guests or just as an easy, but delicious weeknight or weekend dinner. Love that it’s quick enough for any night of the week, but fancy enough to serve to guests.

Also, I went back and forth about whether to use pearl couscous or orzo pasta. In the end, I went with couscous because I love the lighter feel and the texture it gave the dish. That said, orzo should cook up in the same amount of time and I am sure would be equally delicious, so feel free to use what you love!

All in all, I think this would make a pretty good Thursday night dinner. What do you guys think? If you have thirty minutes and you love an at home lobster dinner, you can’t not make this. Have fun!

If you make this one pot tomato basil lobster and herbed pearl couscous, please be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I love hearing from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every one of you. Oh, and of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to also tag me on Instagram so I can see! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!