- This Valentine’s Day guests at La Sultana Oualidia can enjoy a natural aphrodisiac in the form of freshly-cooked oyster under a private Berber tent on a hideaway beach
La Sultana Oualidia is a very special kind of retreat, an oasis situated by a lagoon located halfway between Marrakech and Casablanca on the Atlantic coast. Renowned for its seafood, fresh oysters are grown only a stone’s throw away and are the hotel’s speciality. La Sultana Oualidiahas created a romantic and easy to recreaterecipe that couples can enjoy from the comfort of their own home this Valentine’s Day. The recipe, Gratin of Oyster with white wine only requires a handful of fresh ingredients and the finest accessible seafood to create a truly memorable dish.
GRATIN OF FRESH OYSTERS WITH WHITE WINE
Ingredients:
- 6 freshly shucked oysters on a half shell
- 20cl of dry white wine
- 1 shallot (or small onion)
- 1 tsp. of butter
- 12 tbsp. of béchamel sauce
- Coarse salt for the presentation
- Salt and pepper
Prepare the sauce:
Melt butter over medium low heat; add the chopped shallots with the oysters and fry until softened. Add the white wine, salt and pepper to taste.
Prepare a béchamel (sauce?) with flour, butter and milk. Melt the butter in a saucepan, stir in an equal amount of flour and cook for just under a minute. Slowly add in milk and stir until it come to the boil and thickens for 2 minutes.
For the presentation:
Pour coarse salt in a pie plate and place the oysters on their shells over the salt.
Top the baked oysters with 2 tbsp. of the béchamel mixture.
Sprinkle some grated cheese over each oyster.
Bake in the oven at 200°C for 5 minutes until golden brown.
Tip from the Chef:
Serve hot out of the oven with a glass of white wine
This Valentine’s Day, guests staying at La SultanaOualidia will be able to enjoy fresh oysters for twounder the shelter of a Berber tent. This intimate dining experience is inspired by the 'One Thousand and One Nights' tale, whereby guests will find the sandy beach covered with a beautiful oriental carpet and atmospherically lit with the twinkling of Moroccan lanterns. Couples will be presented with a romantic menu featuring the ultimate aphrodisiac of fresh oysters from the adjoining lagoon.
The peaceful lagoon is a rare ecosystem, with its sandbanks, oyster beds and saltwater marshes. La Sultana Oualidia has 12 individually designed rooms and suites that make the most of the stunning views and incredible light as well as a tree-house suite hidden amongst the foliage in the hotel grounds. Each room is individually designed with bathrooms and private terraces with water features, plants and a jacuzzi.
Home to possibly the most beautiful swimming pool on the Moroccan Mediterranean coast, during the day guests can relax poolside and quench their thirst with refreshing drinks servedto their lounger. Take in the breathtaking views from the pool over the open blue lagoon or take part in watersport activities such as surfing, kayaking and windsurfing. Alternatively, an energy-fuelled day can easily be swapped, or finished with a holistic couples treatment in the underground spa.
Rates start from 3100MAD (£213) in a prestige room per night. http://lasultanahotels.com