12 Days of Christmas Recipes: Oyster Stew with Leeks & Fresh Herbs

In England, oysters are traditionally served at Christmas, says Chef Andrew Prentice, Executive Chef at the Badminton & Racquet Club. Some people will mix them into stuffing, but Andrew prefers this classic stew.

And so do we: not only can it be made ahead of time (and fresh oysters added last minute), but you can make it vegetarian by opting for mushrooms instead of oysters, or even swap our the oysters for mussels, if it suits your fancy.

If you’re in need of a brush-up on how to shuck an oyster, you can see Andrew’s demo here. But if you really want to go super easy, buy your oysters pre-shucked, just make sure you ask for the liquor.

Oyster Stew with Leeks & Fresh Herbs

Serves 4-6

Ingredients

• 1 tsp unsalted butter
• 1 small onion chopped finely
• 1 tsp grapeseed oil (or veg oil)
• 1 leek chopped finely
• 5 cups chicken broth
• ¼ cup dry white wine
• 1 cup half & half cream
• Sea salt and fresh ground white pepper, to taste
• 36 oysters shucked (save liquor)
• 1 tsp minced fresh herbs (many herbs go well with this dish: thyme, rosemary, marjoram, or a combination)

METHOD

1. Melt butter in sauce pan over low heat
2. Add onion and leek gradually increasing heat
3. Saute 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously
4. Add wine and simmer for 3-4 minutes until reduced by half
5. Add chicken stock, reduce heat and cook uncovered 10 minutes, stirring occasionally
6. Add cream and simmer gently for 3-4 minutes
7. Add oysters with the reserved liquor
8. Simmer uncovered for 2 minutes
9. Correct seasoning with salt & pepper
10. Stir in herb(s) of choice
11. Serve immediately in warm soup bowls with crusty French bread and butter

 *If making ahead, stop at Step 6 and refrigerate until needed. Gently rewarm and carry on with the rest of the steps. 

The Wine Sisters’ Pairing

When it comes to oysters we are normally traditionalists, opting for classic pairings like Chablis or Muscadet Sur Lie with raw oysters. But as this stew is full of creamy, buttery goodness, we’re going for a full bodied white to stand up to the richness.

Try: Domaine De Chalet Pouilly Pouilly Fussé, Burgundy, France 2009 $28.95 Vintages 295717