By Judi Gallahger –
Valentine’s Day is quickly coming up in February and, if you’re like me, you’ve already started planning your Valentine’s menu for your sweetheart. (I’m a firm believer that cooking for your loved one is far better than going out for a restaurant meal where the price of your meal is going to be sky-high and your server might be upset that he or she is surrounded by lovey-dovey couples, especially if he or she is not part of a couple to begin with).
And what better food to serve on Valentine’s Day than oysters? After all, they’re a known aphrodisiac–really–and they’re delicious, too. And human beings’ love of them runs deep: Eighteenth-century writer Jonathan Swift famously said, “He was a bold man who first ate an oyster,” but we’ve been eating them since prehistory, and no wonder: They’re an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin B12, zinc, iron, calcium and selenium. They’re also considered to have the most health benefits when they’re eaten on the half shell. But they can be prepared smoked, baked, fried, roasted, stewed, broiled–even canned or pickled. I’ve even had oyster shooters.
You have to be careful when you’re eating oysters, of course, especially the raw ones, as they can sometimes contain harmful bacteria, and you must make sure that your fresh oysters are alive and can tightly close their shells before you eat or cook them. But if you take all the right precautions, you’re golden, and you’re in for a seriously delicious treat. Below are my three favorite ways to prepare oysters, but please share your own oyster stories–and memories!–as well. Happy eating and happy Valentine’s Day!
Mignonette Sauce
Adapted from Ina Garten / The Barefoot Contessa
Serve with freshly shucked raw oysters.
2 shallots, minced
3/4 cup Champagne vinegar or white wine vinegar
1 Tbsp sugar
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 Tbsp chopped fresh green herbs, such as parsley, dill and/or chives
Place the shallots, vinegar and sugar in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Cook uncovered for 1 minute. Remove from the heat and allow to cool to room temperature. Add pepper and herbs and serve with raw oysters.
Oyster Soup with Frizzled Leeks
Adapted from Gourmet magazine, Dec. 2003
For frizzled leeks
2 large leeks (white and pale green parts only) trimmed
4 cups vegetable oil
For soup
1 1/2 cups (6 dozen) shucked small oysters–be sure to use small ones, like Kumamoto or Prince Edward Island–with 1 1/2 cups of their liquor (if necessary, add enough bottled clam juice to bring total to 1 1/2 cups)
2 medium leeks (white and pale green parts only), chopped
1 tsp salt
3 Tbsp unsalted butter
3 1/2 cups water
1 cup half-and-half
Pinch of cayenne
Fry leeks:
Cut leeks crosswise into 2-inch lengths, then cut lengthwise into enough very thin strips to measure 2 cups. Wash leeks strips in a bowl of cold water, agitating them, then lift out and pat dry.
Heat oil in a deep, four-quart heavy saucepan until it registers 360 F on a deep-fry thermometer. Fry leeks in eight batches, stirring, until golden, about 10 seconds per batch. Transfer as fried with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain. Cool completely; leeks will crisp as they cool.
Make soup
Pick over oysters, discarding any bits of shell, and rinse well. Wash chopped leeks in a bowl of cold water, agitating them, then lift out and drain well. Peel potatoes and cut into 1/2-inch cubes. Cook leeks, potatoes and salt in butter in a four-quart heavy saucepan, covered, over low heat, stirring occasionally, until leeks are golden and potatoes are beginning to soften, about 15 minutes. Add water and simmer, covered, over moderate heat until potatoes are very tender, about 10 minutes. Puree soup in batches in a blender until very smooth, transferring to a bowl after blending.
Return soup to saucepan. Add oyster liquor and half-and-half and bring to a simmer over moderate heat, stirring occasionally (do not boil). Add oysters and cayenne and cook, stirring occasionally, just until oysters become plump and edges curl, about 3 minutes. Season with salt.
Serve soup topped with fried leeks.
Fried Oysters
Adapted from Bon Appetit magazine, Dec. 2012
24 shucked medium to large oysters
3 large eggs
2 sleeves saltine crackers (8 oz.), pulsed to a coarse meal in a food processor
Corn or vegetable oil, for frying
Kosher salt
Lemon wedges, for serving
Drain oysters. Beat eggs in a medium bowl to blend. Add oysters and turn to coat completely. Pour half of saltine crumbs into a 13x9x2-inch baking dish. Working in batches, lift oysters with a slotted spoon, allowing excess egg to drain back into bowl, and transfer to baking dish. Scatter remaining crumbs of oysters and toss to coat. Cover dish and chill for 2-3 hours.
Line a plate with paper towels. Pour oil into a medium-heavy skillet to a depth of 1/2 inch. Prop deep-fry thermometer in skillet so bulb is submerged. Heat oil over medium heat to 375 F. Working in batches, fry oysters, turning once, until coating is crisp and deep golden brown, about 1 minute per batch. Transfer to paper towels; season with salt. Serve