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Oysters on the Half-Shell with Grilled Garden Salsa





Yields
Makes 2 cups salsa



Total Time
2 hrs 30 mins

Tractor Dave Muff roasted the vegetables over local red oak logs and grew and pickled his own artichokes (jarred are a good substitute). Leftover salsa is great on eggs, fish, or chicken.

su-Oysters on the Half-Shell with Grilled Garden Salsa




Photo: Thomas J. Story
 2 cups red oak chips* (or 3 oak or pecan chunks), soaked in water for at least 20 minutes
 1/2 red jalapeño or red Fresno chile
 2 to 3 red chiles de arbol or red Fresno chiles
 3/4 pound whole unpeeled tomatoes
 3/4 pound whole unpeeled onions
 4 brined jarred artichoke hearts (about 7 oz.), chopped
 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano leaves
 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
 2 tablespoons chopped purslane (optional)
 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
  About 1/2 tsp. sea salt
 2 dozen oysters on the half-shell
Step 1
1

Prepare a grill for medium heat (350° to 450°). If using charcoal, add chips or wood chunks evenly over coals. If using gas, put chips or chunks in a shallow foil pan set on burner in corner of grill. Grill chiles, tomatoes, and onions, turning often, until skins blacken all over, 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 2
2

Let vegetables cool, then peel. Stem and seed chiles. Chop vegetables and put in a medium pot with artichokes, herbs, purslane, vinegar, and 1/2 tsp. salt; bring to a boil, then cover and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until onions soften, 20 to 30 minutes. Remove from heat; let sit 1 hour, covered, so flavors can marry.

Step 3
3

Purée roughly in a food processor, thinning with hot water to make it pourable. Let cool and season with salt to taste. Serve with oysters.

Step 4
4

*Find red oak chips online from Susie Q's Brand (susieqbrand.com).

Nutrition Facts

Servings 0

Amount Per Serving
Calories 45Calories from Fat 25
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 1.3g2%

Saturated Fat 0.3g2%
Cholesterol 25mg9%
Sodium 69mg3%
Total Carbohydrate 3.3g2%

Dietary Fiber 0.2g1%
Protein 4.9g10%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.