Brothy Mussel Soup Recipes

MUSSEL SOUP

Steps:

• Put the mussels, wine and shallots in a saucepan and turn the heat to high. Cover and cook, shaking occasionally, just until the mussels open, about 5 minutes.
• Remove the mussels with a slotted spoon and strain the broth; set aside.
• Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the leeks and cook until fragrant and softened, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in the garlic and crumble the saffron into the saucepan. Pour in the reserved mussel broth, cayenne and enough water to make 5 cups of soup.
• Add the cream, if you are using it. Bring to just a boil, then turn off the heat and season with lemon juice, salt and pepper.
• Arrange mussels in soup bowls and pour the hot broth over them.
• Garnish with basil and chervil if desired.

BROTHY MUSSELS WITH OVEN FRIES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 475 degrees, with a rimmed baking sheet on center rack. In a pot, cover potatoes with 2 inches of water; season with salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until just cooked through, 6 to 8 minutes. Drain; let stand until dry, 10 minutes. Toss with 3 tablespoons oil; season with salt and pepper. Carefully transfer, cut-side down, to baking sheet and roast, flipping once, until crisp, 20 to 25 minutes. Season with salt.
• Meanwhile, return pot to medium-high heat; swirl in 1 tablespoon butter and remaining oil. Add garlic; cook until golden, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and wine; season with salt and pepper. Simmer until reduced slightly, 3 minutes. Stir in mussels, cover, and cook until all have opened (discard any that haven't), 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer mussels to a bowl with a slotted spoon; stir remaining butter into broth. Pour sauce over mussels and sprinkle with parsley. Serve with oven fries and mayonnaise.

BOUILLABAISSE

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan, and add the onions, leeks, chopped tomatoes, and garlic. Cook and stir over a low heat for a few minutes until all vegetables are soft.
• Stir in the fennel, thyme, bay leaf, and orange zest. Add shellfish and boiling water; stir to combine. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Turn up the heat to high, and boil for about 3 minutes to allow the oil and water to combine.
• Add fish, and reduce the heat to medium. Continue cooking for 12 to 15 minutes, or until fish is cooked. The fish should be opaque and tender, but still firm. Fish should not be falling apart.
• Taste the bouillabaisse and adjust the seasoning. Stir in saffron, and then pour soup into a warmed tureen or soup dishes. Serve immediately.

BROTHY MUSSEL SOUP

Steps:

• Heat oil in large saucepan.
• Add chopped onion, and garlic and cook until clear.
• Add parsley and chilli and cook for 1-2 minutes.
• Increase heat and add lemon juice, wine and water and bring to the boil.
• Add tomatoes.
• Bring to boil.
• Add cleaned mussels and cook covered over a moderate heat for about 5 minutes.
• Discard any mussels that have not opened.
• Remove the top shell from each mussel.
• Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.

STEAMED MUSSELS WITH WHITE WINE BROTH

Steps:

• Melt butter in a large pot with a lid over medium heat. When the butter begins to bubble, stir in the shallot and garlic. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Add the chicken stock, white wine, and mussels then give them a good toss. Cover the pot with its lid and cook until all the mussels have opened; 6 to 10 minutes. If any mussels do not open, discard them.
• Remove the pot from the heat, then stir in the cream and parsley. Taste the broth, and then adjust to taste with salt, pepper, or more cream.
• Serve in big bowls with lemon wedges and plenty of warmed bread to sop up the broth.