OYSTERS EN ESCABECHE

Oysters en Escabeche image

Provided by Food Network

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 teaspoon cumin seeds
6 cloves
1/4 teaspoon allspice berries
1/4 teaspoon black peppercorns
3 bay leaves
1 scant teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled
3/4-inch cinnamon stick
1/3 cup olive oil
1 large onion, thinly sliced
3 small carrots, cut into 1/4-inch dice
3 garlic cloves, minced
6 long fresh yellow chiles, roasted, peeled (see Note), and cut into 1/2-inch dice
3 tablespoons cider vinegar, or to taste
1 generous cup mild fish broth, clam juice, or water
1 1/2 pounds shucked oysters, with all their liquid
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/2 small bunch cilantro, leaves only, finely chopped

Steps:

In a mortar and pestle or a coffee grinder reserved for grinding spices, combine the cumin, cloves, allspice, and peppercorns. Grind until cracked but not pulverized, then transfer to a small dish and add the bay leaves, oregano, and cinnamon. In a large heavy skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and carrots and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and chiles and cook for 2 minutes more. Add the vinegar, fish broth, and all the spices to the pan, cover and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for 10 minutes. Transfer to a glass bowl and let stand at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours, for the flavors to marry. When ready to serve, return the mixture to the skillet and add the oysters. Over medium-low heat, bring the mixture just up to a gentle simmer and let the oysters cook very gently for about 3 minutes (the oysters are done when the edges curl and they turn almost white do not overcook). Remove from the heat and adjust the seasonings, adding more salt and vinegar if desired. Remove the bay leaves and cinnamon stick and serve in deep bowls, scattered with the fresh cilantro.