Ragoo of Oysters

Hannah Glasse’s “ragoo” (ragout) can be served as a starter or as a main course. The combination of spices with fresh parsley creates a flavorsome dish. Washington's cash accounts indicated that he often purchased bushels of oysters to be prepared for his family's table.

This recipe is a modern adaptation of the 18th-century original. It was created by culinary historian Nancy Carter Crump for the book Dining with the Washingtons.

AVAILABLE FROM THE SHOPS

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 200°F.
   
   
2. To make the batter, beat the eggs until frothy. Blend in the lemon zest, nutmeg, mace, parsley, salt, and pepper. Whisk in the flour until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed. Cover and set aside.
   
   
3. Put the oysters in a strainer set over a bowl, and set aside to drain, reserving the liquor.
   
   
4. Melt 3 tablespoons of the butter and the lard in a large frying pan over medium heat. Dip the oysters one by one in the batter, and sauté on both sides until lightly browned. Drain the oysters on paper towels, and set aside in the oven to keep warm.
   
   
5. Melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in the flour, blending in well and stirring until lightly browned. Gradually add the wine, chicken broth, nutmeg, and reserved oyster liquor. Whisk constantly until the sauce bubbles and thickens slightly. Season with salt if necessary.
   
   
6. To serve, place the oysters in a bowl, pour the sauce on top, and garnish with breadcrumbs.

Serves 6 to 8

Have You Made This?

Let us know how your recipe turned out