Carlingford Oysters with Apple and Gin Granita
A refreshing and elegant appetizer featuring plump Carlingford oysters topped with a crisp, boozy apple and gin granita, highlighting Ireland's coastal bounty and modern culinary flair.
🧂 Ingredients
- 12 large Carlingford Oysters(shucked, reserve bottom shells)
- 2 medium Green Apples(peeled, cored, and roughly chopped)
- 100 ml Gin(a good quality Irish gin recommended)
- 2 tbsp Lime Juice
- 2 tbsp Sugar(or to taste)
- 10 g Fresh Mint Leaves(for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the granita: Combine chopped apples, gin, lime juice, and sugar in a blender. Blend until smooth.
💡 Tip: Taste and adjust sweetness if necessary. - 2
Pour the mixture into a shallow freezer-safe dish. Freeze for 2-3 hours, scraping with a fork every 30-45 minutes to create icy crystals.
⏱️ 2-3 hours💡 Tip: Ensure the dish is shallow for even freezing and easier scraping. - 3
Just before serving, shuck the oysters, ensuring they are clean and on their half shells. Arrange the oyster shells on a bed of crushed ice or coarse salt.
💡 Tip: Keep oysters very cold until ready to serve. - 4
Spoon a small amount of the apple and gin granita onto each shucked oyster.
- 5
Garnish with a small mint leaf and serve immediately.
💡 Tip: The granita should be icy and refreshing, not melted.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use freshly shucked oysters for the best flavor and texture.
- ✓The granita can be made a day in advance.
- ✓Adjust the amount of gin to your preference.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Substitute vodka or white rum for gin.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes to the granita for a spicy kick.
- Use a different type of apple for a varied flavor profile.