Oysters En Escabeche Recipes

OYSTERS EN ESCABECHE

Steps:

• In a mortar and pestle or a coffee grinder reserved for grinding spices, combine the cumin, cloves, allspice, and peppercorns. Grind until cracked but not pulverized, then transfer to a small dish and add the bay leaves, oregano, and cinnamon. In a large heavy skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and carrots and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and chiles and cook for 2 minutes more. Add the vinegar, fish broth, and all the spices to the pan, cover and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for 10 minutes. Transfer to a glass bowl and let stand at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours, for the flavors to marry. When ready to serve, return the mixture to the skillet and add the oysters. Over medium-low heat, bring the mixture just up to a gentle simmer and let the oysters cook very gently for about 3 minutes (the oysters are done when the edges curl and they turn almost white do not overcook). Remove from the heat and adjust the seasonings, adding more salt and vinegar if desired. Remove the bay leaves and cinnamon stick and serve in deep bowls, scattered with the fresh cilantro.

MUSSELS ESCABECHE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
• Put a large saute pan over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons oil. Once heated, add the mussels and cover with a lid to quickly saute until they open, about 5 minutes. Remove the mussels from the pan to a large platter or sheet tray to cool slightly, then remove the mussels from the shells to a bowl and set aside. Reserve the cooking liquid in a bowl.
• Hollow out the sourdough boule to create a bowl, then cut the innards into large dice. Put the bread bowl into a 12-inch cast-iron pan and arrange the diced bread around it, then drizzle with olive oil. Put into the oven to toast, stirring the diced bread as needed to evenly toast, 5 to 7 minutes.
• Add 2 tablespoons oil to the same pan the mussels steamed in and put back over medium-high heat. Add the onions, carrots, garlic, paprika, rosemary and thyme and sweat until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the vinegar and reserved mussel broth and bring to a simmer. Remove from the heat and allow to completely cool before pouring over the mussels. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Fill the toasted bread bowl with the mussels. Garnish with the chives and serve with the toasted cubed bread.