Rolled oyster facts for kids
A rolled oyster is a special seafood dish that looks like a baseball. You can only find it in and around Louisville, Kentucky. It's made with three raw oysters that are dipped in a special batter. This batter is made from egg, milk, and cornmeal, and it's sometimes called pastinga. After dipping, the oysters are rolled in cracker crumbs, which is how they get their name. Finally, they are deep fried until they are golden and crispy.
What is a Rolled Oyster?
A rolled oyster is a unique fried food. It's a popular snack or meal in the Louisville area. People enjoy its crispy outside and the soft oyster inside. It's a local favorite that many seafood restaurants serve.
How It's Made
Making a rolled oyster involves a few steps. First, fresh, raw oysters are prepared. Then, they are coated in a thick, creamy batter. This batter helps the cracker crumbs stick. After being rolled in crumbs, the oysters are carefully placed into hot oil. They cook quickly until they are golden brown and delicious.
Where Did It Come From?
Rolled oysters first appeared in the late 1800s. An Italian immigrant named Phillip Mazzoni and his brothers started serving them. They owned a Western saloon in Louisville. At first, they gave the oysters away for free. If you bought a beer or whiskey, you got a rolled oyster too!
It's not clear if the Mazzoni family invented the recipe. They might have brought it with them from Italy. During the time of Prohibition, selling alcohol became illegal. But Mazzoni's stayed open. They started selling these oysters in their new restaurant. The rolled oyster quickly became a very popular food all over town.
Rolled Oysters Today
Today, rolled oysters are still a big part of Louisville's food scene. Many seafood restaurants offer their own versions. You can also find them at local fish fries. It's a tasty tradition that continues to be enjoyed by many.
