Lettuce and oyster soup

Method

1. Separate the lettuce leaves, wash and dry well. Cut out and discard the thick ribs. Shred the soft remaining leaves, keeping one leaf back to use as a garnish.

2. Melt the butter in a saucepan, add the shallot and cook gently for about 5 minutes to soften without colouring.

3. Add the lettuce cook, stirring for 1 minute. Pour in the fish stock, bring to the boil and simmer until the volume of liquid has reduced by a quarter.

4. Add the shucked oysters and poach them in the soup for just 45 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to lift out the oysters and set aside in a warm place.

5. Add the parsley and reserved oyster juices to the soup. Transfer the mixture to a blender and whiz until smooth.

6. In a small jug, beat the yolks and cream together then pour the mixture slowly into the blender, processing briefly. Adjust the seasoning to taste with salt, pepper and lemon juice.

7. Pour the soup into bowls. Place a small spoonful of crème fraîche in the centre of each, arrange 3 oysters around the crème fraîche and top with the reserved shredded lettuce.

Cook's notes
Colchester oysters, an Essex variety that is now in season, are ideal for this dish.

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Ingredients

2 medium-large soft English Lettuce
1 tsp unsalted butter
1 small shallot, finely chopped
500ml fish stock
6 Colchester Oysters, shucked, juices reserved
1 tbsp curly parsley leaves
2 large egg yolks
80ml double cream
salt and pepper
lemon juice
Crème fraîche, to serve

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