Description
Ina Garten’s Barefoot Contessa Oyster Stew brings coastal comfort to winter dining with creamy richness and delicate seafood flavor. Fresh oysters swim in a silky butter and cream base, promising a luxurious bowl perfect for warming hearts on chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 dozen oysters, shucked and drained (reserve the liquid)
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup chopped onions
- ½ cup chopped celery
Seasoning and Herbs:
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
- ¼ cup finely chopped parsley
- Salt to taste
- Cayenne pepper to taste
- Fresh black pepper to taste
Cooking Ingredients:
- 6 tablespoons butter (4 tablespoons for cooking, 2 tablespoons for finishing)
- 2 tablespoons flour
Instructions
- Craft the roux foundation by melting 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) of butter in a spacious sauté pan over medium heat. Gradually incorporate flour, whisking persistently until the mixture transforms into a golden, smooth paste with a nutty aroma, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Introduce finely diced onions and celery to the roux, sautéing the vegetables until they become translucent and release their aromatic essence, roughly 2 minutes.
- Gradually pour in milk and the reserved oyster liquid, creating a creamy base. Enhance the flavor profile with judicious amounts of salt, cayenne pepper, and freshly ground black pepper. Allow the mixture to gently simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching, for 3-4 minutes.
- Delicately fold in fresh oysters, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Return the pan to a gentle simmer, cooking until the oyster edges begin to curl and the seafood is just cooked through, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the pan from heat and incorporate the remaining 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of butter, creating a luxurious, glossy finish. Ladle the rich, fragrant stew into warm serving bowls, presenting a comforting maritime-inspired dish.
Notes
- Embrace the ocean’s bounty with this luxurious stew that transforms simple coastal ingredients into a creamy, comforting masterpiece.
- Master the perfect roux technique by slowly cooking flour and butter, creating a silky smooth base that guarantees a velvety texture.
- Select ultra-fresh oysters as the star ingredient, ensuring each spoonful bursts with pure, delicate seafood flavor.
- Elevate the dish with a subtle cayenne kick that dances alongside the rich, buttery undertones without overwhelming the delicate oysters.
- Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, adding a bright, herbaceous note that cuts through the stew’s decadent creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg