Creamy oyster stew is a Christmas tradition for many families. After wondering where it came from, it turned that this tradition came from Irish immigrants who used to eat soup or stew of fish on Christmas Eve as Catholic tradition banned meat on Christmas Eve. I have eaten many versions of oyster stew and many of them seem very simple with milk, butter, salt and pepper, which doesn't really justify the word "stew" in the name oyster stew. Maybe more like a soup. While I don't mind the simple version, the soup boy in me wanted to create something heartier and elevated to create a wow factor. This oyster stew recipe includes some components that a good clam chowder would have such as bacon, celeries, and potatoes elevated with flavors from dry white wine, fresh thyme leaves, white pepper, and cayenne pepper. This is kind of a whole she-bang goodness kind of oyster stew. Despite using all these elements, the final product does not hide oyster flavors at all. Those big chucks of oysters and all the oyster juice from the jar provide a deep and intense oyster flavor throughout the dish.
Ingredients:
3 bacon strips
¼ stick butter
1 shallot
4 cloves garlic
1/3 potato
1 celery stick
½ cup dry white wine
3 cups whole milk
1 cups half & half
½ tsp white pepper
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp thyme leaves
2 tsp corn starch & 2 tbsp water
1 jar of fresh oysters
1 tsp fresh parsley
green onion to garnis
#oysterstew #oystersoup #christmasoysterstew