Oyster Spinach Bisque With Corn Bread Croutons Recipes

SPINACH AND OYSTER BISQUE

Steps:

• Drain the oysters in a fine sieve set over a measuring cup, add enough water to the oyster liquor to measure 2 1/2 cups, and reserve the liquid. Discard any shell fragments from the oysters, rinse the oysters briefly, and chop them into 1/2-inch pieces. In a kettle cook the onion in the butter over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until it is pale golden, add the flour, and cook the roux, stirring, for 2 minutes. Whisk in the reserved oyster liquid and bring the mixture to a boil, whisking. Add the spinach, half the oysters, and the tarragon and simmer the mixture, stirring, for 2 minutes. In a blender purée the mixture in batches until it is smooth, transferring it as it is puréed to a bowl, and return it to the kettle. Add the cream and the remaining oysters and heat the bisque over moderate heat, stirring, until it is hot and the oysters are cooked, but do not let it boil. Stir in the zest, the sugar, the nutmeg, and salt and pepper to taste and serve the bisque with the oyster crackers.

CORN BREAD CROUTONS

Steps:

• In a skillet (preferably non-stick) heat oil over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking and toast corn bread until golden brown and crisp. Season croutons with salt and pepper. Croutons may be made 1 day ahead and kept in a sealable plastic bag at room temperature.

OYSTER SPINACH BISQUE WITH CORN BREAD CROUTONS

Steps:

• Drain oysters in a fine sieve set over a glass measure, adding enough water to liquor to measure 1 cup, and reserve liquid. Rinse oysters under cold water and drain. Transfer oysters to a bowl and chill, covered.
• In a large saucepan melt butter over moderate heat until foam subsides and cook shallots, stirring, until softened. Add Sherry and cook until almost all liquid is evaporated. Stir in reserved oyster liquid and 1 1/2 cups milk and bring barely to a simmer (do not let boil). Stir in 12 oysters and poach until edges begin to curl, about 2 minutes. (Liquid may separate but will come together once blended.) In a blender purée mixture in batches until smooth and strain into a kettle, skimming froth. Stir in remaining 1 1/2 cups milk and cream and bring barely to a simmer (do not let boil). Stir in remaining 24 oysters, spinach, and salt and pepper to taste and poach oysters until edges begin to curl, about 2 minutes.
• Ladle bisque into 8 heated soup plates and garnish with spinach leaves and bell pepper. Serve bisque with croutons.

EASY SPINACH BISQUE

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, saute onion in butter until tender. Stir in the flour, salt and nutmeg until blended. Gradually whisk in milk and water. Bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Reduce heat to medium; add the cheese and stir until melted. Stir in the spinach; heat through. Serve with oyster crackers if desired.