Gratinated Oysters with Anchovies and Pantelleria Capers
Category: Appetizers
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Parsley | 1 bunch |
| Salt | To taste |
| Ground black pepper | To taste |
| Oysters | 5 pieces |
| Lemons | 2 pieces |
| Capers (Pantelleria) | 10g |
| Anchovies (or anchovy fillets) | 4 pieces |
| Thyme | 1 sprig |
| Marjoram | 1 sprig |
| Vegetable broth | 100ml |
| Olive oil | To taste |
| Bread (stale or fresh) | 130g |
| Grana Padano DOP cheese | 20g, grated |
Instructions:
To prepare the Gratinated Oysters with Anchovies and Pantelleria Capers, begin by carefully opening the oysters. This is a delicate task, so ensure you use a proper oyster knife with a thin, sharp tip, a protective handle, and a firm grip. Hold the oyster tightly with one hand and, with the other, insert the knife to find the opening. Be cautious not to spill the oysterโs water. If any water spills, collect it in a bowl to use later in the recipe.
Once the oysters are open, remove one half of the shell, and set aside the side with the oyster.
Next, prepare the breadcrumb topping. Finely chop the thyme, parsley, and marjoram, then set the chopped herbs aside. In a food processor, combine the bread crumbs, vegetable broth, oyster water, chopped herbs, garlic, and grated Grana Padano cheese. Pulse until the mixture reaches a fine breadcrumb-like consistency. Transfer the breadcrumb mixture to a bowl.
Now, drain the anchovies and chop them into small pieces. Zest the lemons, and mix the zest with the Pantelleria capers.
Preheat the oven to 180ยฐC (350ยฐF). Prepare a baking tray by lining it with parchment paper. To stabilize the oyster shells during baking (since they may tip over), place a small ring of aluminum foil under each shell to keep them upright.
Spoon the breadcrumb mixture onto each oyster, covering the oysters generously. Once all oysters are filled, drizzle with a touch of olive oil to enhance the flavor during baking.
Place the tray with the oysters in the oven and bake for about 10โ12 minutes, or until the breadcrumb topping is golden and crispy.
Once baked, serve your Gratinated Oysters with Anchovies and Pantelleria Capers immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or lemon wedges if desired. These oysters are perfect as a starter or an elegant appetizer for special occasions.
Enjoy your delightful seafood treat, where the richness of the oysters harmonizes beautifully with the savory anchovies, briny capers, and aromatic herbs in the crispy breadcrumb topping.
