Oyster Stew

Oyster stew is a Christmas Eve tradition in many households, but you'll want to serve this easy and hearty meal all year long.

Oyster Stew Ingredients

Though this oyster stew recipe is full of flavor, it comes together with surprisingly few ingredients. Here's what you'll need:

· Vegetables: This easy oyster stew starts with sauteed celery and shallots.· Butter: The celery and shallots are sauteed in butter, ensuring a rich base.· Half-and-half: Half-and-half (or heavy cream, depending on what you prefer) creates a rich and creamy stew.· Oysters: It wouldn't be oyster stew without fresh shucked oysters! Make sure not to drain the liquid.· Seasonings: The easy oyster stew is simply seasoned with just cayenne pepper and black pepper.

How to Make Oyster Stew

You'll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here's a brief overview of what you can expect when you make this hearty oyster stew:

1. Saute the celery and shallots in butter.2. Heat the half-and-half, then stir in the sauteed vegetables.3. Add the oysters and their liquid. Season to taste.4. Cook until the oysters curl at the ends.

How to Store Oyster Stew

Allow the oyster stew to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.

Can You Freeze Oyster Stew?

Allow the oyster stew to cool to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator until cold before transferring to the freezer. Freeze in serving-size portions for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Cookdap Community Tips and Praise

"This was very easy and foolproof," raves one Cookdap community member. "The taste was surprisingly delicious even though there were so few ingredients. We added a few oyster crackers before serving and it was exceptional."

“My dad usually always has to ‘add’ something extra to suit his taste, but with this he didn’t touch anything,” says LHDougherty. “I did add potatoes and just a splash of Worcestershire sauce.”

“This has become my family’s new recipe for the traditional Christmas Eve Oyster Stew,” according to Laswill. “We have even made new converts with the new members of the family.”