Creamy Oyster Stew

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons)
• Onion (1 medium, chopped)
• Celery (1 stalk, chopped)
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
• All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons)
• Milk (2 cups)
• Fresh oysters (2 dozen, shucked, with their liquor)
• Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish))
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat until foamy.
2. Add the chopped onion and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, being careful not to let it burn.
4. Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir well to combine, cooking for about 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
5. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue cooking until the mixture begins to simmer and thicken, about 5 minutes.
6. Gently fold in the shucked oysters along with their liquor. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the edges of the oysters curl and they are heated through.
7. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
8. Ladle the oyster stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy it hot!