Oyster Chowder

Enjoy this oyster chowder, rich with cream, potatoes, bacon and vegetables. Recipe courtesy Chuck Hughes

• Ready In: 1 hr 15 mins
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• Soup

• 2  tablespoons/ 30ml olive oil
• 6  yukon gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 2  celery ribs, chopped
• 1  onion, chopped
• 2  cups/ 500ml 35-percent  cream
•  salt & freshly ground black pepper
• 2  dozen  oysters, shucked, liquid reserved
• 2  tablespoons/ 30ml butter
• 1  handful fresh chives, minced

• Bacon and Vegetable Garnish

• 3  large  slices bacon, cut into small dice
• 2  celery ribs, cut into small dice
• 1  onion, cut into small dice
• 1  large yukon gold potato, cooked until al dente and cut into small dice
•  olive oil, for drizzling
• 1  handful fresh chervil

Directions

1. For the soup:
2. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over high heat and saute the potatoes, celery and onions. Add 6 cups water (1 1/2 liters) and the cream and season with salt and pepper. Add the reserved oyster juices and bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat and simmer until the vegetables are nice and tender, about 30 minutes.
4. Puree the soup with an immersion blender or in a regular blender until smooth (be careful when blending hot liquids). Pass through a fine sieve if necessary.
5. Stir in the butter and chives. Add the oysters just before serving to prevent them from overcooking. Season with more salt and pepper if desired.
6. For the bacon and vegetable garnish:
7. Brown the bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat for 3 minutes. Add the celery and onions and saute until soft, about 2 minutes. Add the potato and cook for about 5 minutes.
8. To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and add the bacon and vegetable garnish. Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with chervil.