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 Comment:
One of the most famous soups in South Louisiana is oyster and artichoke
bisque. The flavors of these two ingredients are often married in
Louisiana cuisine. Here is just another example of the flavor of
oysters and spinach used together to create a delicious appetizer.
You may wish to try using crabmeat instead of oysters. Replace the
cup of oysters with ½ pound of lump crabmeat.
Ingredients:
12 artichoke bottoms, fresh or canned
1 cup chopped oysters
¼ cup butter
½ cup minced onions
½ cup minced celery
¼ cup minced red bell pepper
1 tbsp diced garlic
3 cups cooked spinach
¼ cup tomato ketchup
salt and cracked pepper to taste
Louisiana hot sauce to taste
½ ounce Herbsaint or anise
½ cup seasoned Italian bread crumbs
¼ pound butter
1 ounce sherry
2 tbsps chopped parsley
Method:
Preheat oven to 350°F. If the artichoke bottoms are canned,
soak in cold water for one hour to remove the brine and vinegar
taste. In a heavy-bottomed skillet, melt ¼ cup butter over
medium-high heat. Add onions, celery, bell peppers and garlic. Sauté
3-5 minutes or until vegetables are wilted. Chop the cooked spinach
very fine and add to the vegetables. Blend well and add oysters.
Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated. Simmer 5 minutes
then add ketchup, salt, pepper and hot sauce. Lower heat to simmer
and cook 10-15 additional minutes. Add Herbsaint, blend into the
oyster and spinach mixture and remove from heat. Sprinkle in breadcrumbs
and allow the mixture to cool slightly. Once cooled, stuff the center
of each artichoke bottom with the oyster and spinach mixture. Place
the artichokes in a large baking pan and top with an equal portion
of melted butter and sherry. Sprinkle with parsley and bake uncovered
for 15-20 minutes. Serve 2 artichokes with a spoon of sherry-butter
sauce. You may wish to place one whole oyster on the bottom of the
artichoke prior to stuffing.
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