BAKED OYSTERS ITALIAN-STYLE WITH CIABATTA CROUTON

Baked Oysters Italian-Style with Ciabatta Crouton image

Provided by Food Network

Time 40m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

1/2 cup whole garlic cloves
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup white wine
1 cup soft-cooked white beans
2 teaspoons Sherry vinegar
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 pound finely diced pancetta, cooked until crispy, then drained, fat reserved
Red pepper flakes
8 (1/4-inch) slices ciabatta or other Italian-style bread
1 pint shucked oysters (approximately 24)
1 tablespoon butter
1 to 1 1/2 cups bread crumbs
3 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley
1/4 cup good quality olive oil
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
2 tablespoons chopped mixed herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, and sage
1/4 cup grated Grana Padano or Parmigiano Reggiano
Salt and pepper

Steps:

For the croutons: In a small saucepan, over low heat, gently cook garlic in oil and wine until tender and golden. Remove garlic cloves and place in a food processor. To the juices in the pan, add enough olive oil to give you 1/4 cup of liquid. Add white beans, sherry vinegar, and lemon juice to the food processor and puree. With the motor running, add in garlic/olive oil mixture. Remove from processor and stir in crispy pancetta, salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Spread mixture on bread slices and broil or toast in a hot oven until heated and slightly bubbly.
For the oysters: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Put oysters into a bowl and check for bits of shell. Butter the bottom of an 8 or 9-inch pie pan and place oysters in pan. Mix the bread crumbs with all remaining ingredients and distribute evenly over the oysters, patting a little. Place pan in the hot oven and bake for about six to eight minutes or until crumbs are brown and bubbling. Remove from oven and serve immediately.
To serve: Mound a serving of oysters attractively on each plate and flank with two croutons.