Oyster Soup With Frizzled Leeks Recipes

OYSTER SOUP WITH FRIZZLED LEEKS

Steps:

• Fry leeks:
• Cut leeks crosswise into 2-inch lengths, then cut lengthwise into enough very thin strips to measure 2 cups. Wash leek strips in a bowl of cold water, agitating them, then lift out and pat dry.
• Heat oil in a deep 4-quart heavy saucepan until it registers 360°F on thermometer. Fry leeks in 8 batches, stirring, until golden, about 10 seconds per batch. Transfer as fried with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain. Cool completely (leeks will crisp as they cool).
• Make soup:
• Pick over oysters, discarding any bits of shell, and rinse well. Wash chopped leeks in a bowl of cold water, agitating them, then lift out and drain well. Peel potatoes and cut into 1/2-inch cubes. Cook leeks, potatoes, and salt in butter in a 4-quart heavy saucepan, covered, over low heat, stirring occasionally, until leeks are golden and potatoes are beginning to soften, about 15 minutes. Add water and simmer, covered, over moderate heat until potatoes are very tender, about 10 minutes. Purée soup in batches in a blender until very smooth (use caution when blending hot liquids), transferring to a bowl.
• Return soup to saucepan. Add oyster liquor and half-and-half and bring to a simmer over moderate heat, stirring occasionally (do not boil). Add oysters and cayenne and cook, stirring occasionally, just until oysters become plump and edges curl, about 3 minutes. Season with salt.
• Serve soup topped with fried leeks.

ELEGANT OYSTER SOUP

Steps:

• In a large pot, saute chopped carrot, onion, celery and fresh mushrooms in 2 tablespoons of butter for 5 minutes or until the onions are transparent.
• In another large pot, melt 1/2 cup butter and stir in the flour. Cook for 5 minutes.
• Whisk in the chicken broth to the flour mixture. Add the sauteed vegetables, artichokes hearts, bay leaf, salt, cayenne pepper, thyme, oregano and sage. Simmer for 30 minutes over medium heat.
• Whisk in cream and add oysters; bring to a simmer, but do not boil.

OYSTER SOUP

Steps:

• In a heavy 2-quart saucepan over medium heat, bring the heavy cream and oyster liquor from the oysters to a simmer. Remove from the heat.
• Meanwhile, in a large saute pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the celery and a pinch of the salt and sweat for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the onion and continue cooking until translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add celery seed, hot pepper sauce, and oysters and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the edges of the oysters start to curl.
• Transfer the oysters to the carafe of a blender and add enough of the cream just to cover.*
• Puree until the mixture is smooth. Return the remaining cream to medium heat, add the pureed mixture, and cook until heated through.
• Just before serving, add the lemon juice, chopped herbs, and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
• *When blending hot liquids: Remove liquid from the heat and allow to cool for at least 5 minutes. Transfer liquid to a blender or food processor and fill it no more than halfway. If using a blender, release one corner of the lid. This prevents the vacuum effect that creates heat explosions. Place a towel over the top of the machine, pulse a few times then process on high speed until smooth.

CRISPY FRIED LEEKS

Steps:

• Pour peanut oil into heavy small saucepan to depth of 1 inch; heat to 350°F. Fry leeks in small batches until golden brown, about 30 seconds. Using slotted spoon, transfer fried leeks to paper towels to drain.

CURRIED SQUASH SOUP WITH FRIZZLED LEEKS

Steps:

• In a large bowl of water, wash leeks and drain.
• In a heavy kettle cook onion in butter over moderately low heat, stirring until softened. Add leeks and salt to taste and cook, stirring until softened. Add curry powder and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add remaining soup ingredients and simmer, covered, 30 minutes or until vegetables are soft.
• Cool soup slightly and puree in batches in a blender or food processor. Season soup with salt and pepper. (Soup may be made 5 days ahead and cooled, uncovered, before chilling, covered. Reheat soup, thinning with water if desired.) Top with frizzled leeks.