Post author: on Tomales Bay Oysters Rockefeller

For this oysters Rockefeller recipe, make the filling ahead of time and you’ll need only a few minutes to go from shucking to eating.

INGREDIENTS (Makes 24 Servings)

• 1 small leek (white and pale-green parts only), coarsely chopped
• 1 large shallot, coarsely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, coarsely chopped
• 1 large bunch watercress, coarsely chopped (about 4 cups packed)
• ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butterKosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• ½ cup finely grated Gruyère
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
• 24 large oysters, freshly shucked, on the half shell, with juices

PREPARATION

• Pulse leek, shallot, and garlic in a food processor until finely chopped. Transfer to a small bowl; set aside. Pulse watercress in processor until finely chopped but not a paste. Transfer to a medium bowl; set aside.
• Melt butter in a large heavy pot over medium-low heat. Add leek mixture; season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring often, until translucent, 7–8 minutes. Increase heat to medium. Add watercress; cook, stirring often, until watercress is wilted and tender, 8–10 minutes. Stir in cheese, cream, and parsley. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to a medium bowl; chill until cold.
• Preheat broiler. Arrange oysters on half shells on a rimmed baking sheet. Dividing equally, spoon watercress mixture over oysters, spreading to cover completely.
• Broil until cheese is melted, top of watercress mixture begins to brown in spots, and oysters are just cooked through, 3–4 minutes. Serve immediately.