Soused oysters - ostiones en escabeche

4 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
Jim Vorheis
½cupLight olive oil
cupFinely sliced white onion
8Garlic cloves, peeled
½cupFinely sliced carrots, blanched
½cupCauliflower flowerets, blanched
2California bay leaves
3Fresh marjoram sprigs or 1/4 tsp dried
teaspoonDried oregano, Mexican if possible
½teaspoonPeppercorns
Sea salt to taste
¼cupVinegar
2cupsShucked oysters or other seafood (shrimp, crab,
Scallops, alone or together)
1Lime, thinly sliced
Strips of canned jalapenos en escabeche (to taste)

Directions

Heat the oil in a large frying or saute pan. Add the onion and garlic cloves and toss over high heat without browning for about 2 minutes.

Add the vegetables, herbs, peppercorns, salt, and vinegar; cook over high heat until the mixture comes to a boil. Add the oysters, sliced lime, and jalapenos* and cook until the oysters are plump and just cooked - about 2 minutes.

Set aside to cool. Refrigerate overnight and serve at room temperature.

* Jalapenos may be omitted and passed separately at the table.

The Art of Mexican Cooking From the collection of Jim Vorheis