Oysters Bienville

Ingredients

• 12 fresh oysters 12 fresh oysters
• 1/4 cup (60g) butter 1/4 cup (60g) butter
• 1/2 cup (75g) shrimp, finely chopped 1/2 cup (75g) shrimp, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup (40g) onion, finely chopped 1/4 cup (40g) onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup (40g) green bell pepper, finely chopped 1/4 cup (40g) green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup (40g) red bell pepper, finely chopped 1/4 cup (40g) red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup (40g) mushrooms, finely chopped 1/4 cup (40g) mushrooms, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons (16g) all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons (16g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240ml) milk 1 cup (240ml) milk
• 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup (30g) breadcrumbs 1/4 cup (30g) breadcrumbs
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories: 280 kcal / 1170 KJ
• Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 10g)
• Carbohydrates: 12g (Sugar: 4g)
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. 2.
   Shuck the oysters and place them on a baking sheet.
3. 3.
   In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp, onion, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and the shrimp is cooked.
4. 4.
   Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir well to combine. Cook for an additional minute.
5. 5.
   Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
6. 6.
   Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
7. 7.
   Spoon the filling over each oyster, covering them generously.
8. 8.
   Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top of each oyster.
9. 9.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the topping is golden and bubbling.
10. 10.
    Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Oysters — Ensure the oysters are fresh and properly shucked before using them in the recipe.
• Shrimp — Finely chop the shrimp to ensure even distribution throughout the filling.
• Bell peppers — Use a combination of green and red bell peppers for a vibrant color and balanced flavor.
• Parmesan cheese — Opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
• Breadcrumbs — For a crispy topping, use panko breadcrumbs or homemade breadcrumbs toasted in butter.

Tips & Tricks

• To save time, you can prepare the filling in advance and refrigerate it until ready to use.
• Experiment with different types of mushrooms, such as cremini or shiitake, to add depth of flavor to the filling.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
• Serve the Oysters Bienville with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a burst of acidity.
• If you're lactose intolerant, you can substitute the dairy milk and cream with non-dairy alternatives like almond milk and coconut cream.

Serving advice

Serve the Oysters Bienville as an appetizer or a main course. For an elegant presentation, arrange the oysters on a platter and garnish with fresh parsley. Provide small forks or cocktail picks for easy enjoyment.

Presentation advice

To elevate the presentation, serve the Oysters Bienville on a bed of rock salt or crushed ice. This not only adds visual appeal but also helps to keep the oysters chilled. Place lemon wedges on the side for guests to squeeze over the oysters before indulging.