Recipe

Flo Rae's Favorite Oyster Chowder

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by aargersi

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by aargersi

This recipe was entered in the contest for Your Best Way to Prepare Oysters
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aargersi's Notes: My mother in law is born and raised on the Texas coast, and LOVES gulf oysters. She loves my chowder too ... I had been planning to make it this weekend anyhow and as it turns out, it's oyster...
My mother in law is born and raised on the Texas coast, and LOVES gulf oysters. She loves my chowder too ... I had been planning to make it this weekend anyhow and as it turns out, it's oyster week on Food52! Kismet! A note on the oyster liquor - it's the juice that the already shucked oysters are in at the seafood counter. Talk your seafood guy out of a pint of it, and don't let him charge you!

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Serves 6

2 strips thick cut bacon (I used applewood smoked) Ask a question about this ingredient

1/2 large sweet onion - diced Ask a question about this ingredient

1 stalk celery - diced Ask a question about this ingredient

1 large clove garlic - minced Ask a question about this ingredient

2 tablespoons butter Ask a question about this ingredient

4 medium red potatoes - cubed Ask a question about this ingredient

1 pint oyster liquor Ask a question about this ingredient

1 cup chicken broth Ask a question about this ingredient

1 pint heavy cream Ask a question about this ingredient

1 quart shucked oysters Ask a question about this ingredient

2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill Ask a question about this ingredient

2 teaspoons chopped fresh marjoram Ask a question about this ingredient

fresh ground pepper Ask a question about this ingredient

Cut the bacon into pieces and saute in a large heavy pot until they begin to get brown and crispy.
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Add the butter and onion and cook another 2-3 minutes until they start to go clear - you don't want them to brown really. Then add the celery and garlic and cook for a couple more minutes.
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Add the oyster liquor, the chicken broth and the cream, then add the potatoes and a couple of grinds of garlic. Simmer until the potatoes are tender.
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Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the oysters and the herbs. You may need to turn the heat up a bit, you want it just simmering until the oysters are cooked, not too long maybe 6-7 minutes after it gets back to a simmer. Taste it and maybe add a couple more grinds of pepper.
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Serve to your mother in law (or guests) right away!
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4 Comments on Flo Rae's Favorite Oyster Chowder

Yunghi added over 2 years ago

I made this with clams instead of oysters, and it turned out great! I would however next time add more bacon ( 4 or 6 strips) and potatoes, celery, and bacon. I like my soup thick with lots of stuff in it.