Oyster Stew with Fresh Rosemary Recipe

🕒 Cook Time: 30 minutes
🕒 Prep Time: 30 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 1 hour

Description:

Indulge in the creamy and delicious flavors of Oyster Stew with Fresh Rosemary, a comforting dish perfect for winter nights or festive occasions like Christmas. This recipe offers the flexibility of using either fresh oysters from the shell or pre-packed oysters for convenience. Dive into the instructions below to learn how to shuck fresh oysters if you choose to go that route.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 celery rib, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons vermouth
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
• 6 dashes of white pepper
• 2 cups half-and-half
• Fresh rosemary, minced, to taste
• Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish

Instructions:

Preparing Fresh Oysters:

1. Check Freshness: Ensure the fresh oysters snap closed when touched. Discard any that remain open.
2. Safety Precautions: Use a shucking knife and gloves for safety.
3. Shucking Process: Hold the oyster firmly with one hand and the shucking knife with the other.
4. Carefully Open: Slip the knife blade between the top and bottom of the shell near the hinge.
5. Full Circle: Run the knife around until you reach the other side.
6. Separate Shells: Using a twisting motion, gently pry the top and bottom shells apart to preserve the liquor.
7. Free Oyster: Cut the oyster free from its shell, removing the tough knob underneath.
8. Collect Oysters: Place the oyster and its liquor into a bowl and repeat with the remaining oysters.
   • Note: If serving on the half-shell, leave them in the shell and present them on a platter with crushed ice.

Cooking the Stew:

1. Saute Aromatics: In a soup pot, melt butter and sauté onion and celery until translucent.
2. Deglaze: Add vermouth and cook for 3-4 minutes.
3. Add Stock: Pour in the stock and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes.
5. Incorporate Half-and-Half: Stir in the half-and-half and heat through for approximately 5 minutes.
6. Add Oysters: Gently add the shucked oysters with their liquor and cook until they plump up and edges curl, about 3 minutes.
7. Final Touch: Mix in the minced rosemary and adjust seasoning if necessary.
8. Serve: Ladle the warm stew into bowls and garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs if desired.

Enjoy the rich and comforting flavors of this Oyster Stew with Fresh Rosemary, perfect for warming up during chilly evenings or celebrating special occasions with loved ones!