Lobster and Fennel Potpie

Fennel infuses succulent lobster with a fresh licorice-like essence. The shellfish filling and buttery bread are reminiscent of a lobster roll.

Martha Stewart Living, October 2011 http://www.marthastewart.com/854534/lobster-and-fennel-potpie

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Ingredients

For the Filling
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1 fennel bulb (8 ounces), halved, cored, and very thinly sliced, preferably on a mandoline
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups fish stock
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 pound cooked lobster meat (from 2 lobsters), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3/4 cup fresh shelled or frozen English peas
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon
- Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
For the Topping
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 slices Pullman bread (1/2 inch thick)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Make the filling: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Cook onion until translucent, about 7 minutes. Add fennel, and cook until softened, about 7 minutes. Stir in flour. Add stock and water. Bring to a simmer.
Remove from heat, and stir in lobster, peas, cream, and tarragon. Season with salt and pepper if needed. Let cool. Transfer mixture to a 9-by-12-inch (8-cup) gratin dish.
Make the topping: Melt butter, and brush over bread slices. Tear each slice in half, and arrange over top of filling to cover the surface, overlapping as you work. Bake until bread is golden brown and filling is bubbling, about 30 minutes.