Innkeepers Mussel Chowder Recipes

MUSSEL CHOWDER

Steps:

• Pour reserved mussel cooking liquid through a fine sieve lined with a dampened paper towel into a bowl. Set aside 24 mussels in their shells, then shuck remainder and halve them crosswise.
• Wash chopped leeks in a bowl of cold water, then lift out and drain well.
• Cook leeks, carrots, bell peppers, and shallot with salt and pepper in butter and oil in a 5-quart heavy pot over moderate heat, covered, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 7 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook, uncovered, stirring, 1 minute. Add strained mussel cooking liquid and wine and simmer 10 minutes.
• Stir in halved mussels and cream and simmer, stirring, 5 minutes. Add reserved mussels in their shells and simmer until just heated through, about 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper.

INNKEEPER'S MUSSEL CHOWDER

Steps:

• Scrub mussels in cool water and pull off beards; discard any whose shells don't close when tapped.
• In an 8- to 10-quart pan, combine mussels and wine; bring to a boil over high heat. Cover and simmer over medium heat until mussels open, 5 to 8 minutes.
• Pour into a colander set in a large bowl to collect juices.
• Let mussels stand until cool enough to touch.
• Meanwhile, peel potatoes and cut into 1/2-inch cubes.
• Peel and chop onion. Rinse celery and cut into 1/2-inch pieces.
• In the pan used for mussels, melt butter over medium heat.
• Add onion and celery; stir often until onion is limp, 6 to 8 minutes.
• Add curry powder and basil; stir until spices become more fragrant, about 30 seconds.
• Pour mussel juices from bowl into pan.
• Add tomato sauce, cream, and potatoes.
• Turn heat to high; when mixture is boiling, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until flavors are well blended, about 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, remove mussels from shells; discard shells.
• Add mussels to soup; cover and simmer just until mussels are hot, 3 to 5 minutes.
• Add salt and pepper to taste.
• Ladle into bowls.

POTATO MUSSEL CHOWDER

Steps:

• Wash and scrub mussels free of beards and dirt.
• Add mussels to large pot with white wine, garlic and thyme. Steam for 5-7 minutes or until all mussels are open.
• Strain mussels from pot saving every drop of the mussel broth.
• Shuck mussels from shell and keep chilled, discard any mussels that don't open.
• In a large heavy bottom pot, add pancetta and begin to cook over medium heat to release fat. 6. Add carrots, celery and onions to pot and sweat for 3-5 mins.
• Add potatoes and cook for additional 3 minutes.
• Add butter and melt completely.
• Add flour and mix to create a roux. Cook roux until it smells like toasted butter about 3-5 mins.
• Add the mussel broth and whisk to break up the roux.
• Add milk and cream and continue whisk over med heat to cook roux and remove any flour flavour.
• Reduce heat to low and cook for 30 mins to cook vegetables all the way through, stirring every few minutes to avoid scorching.
• When chowder has thickened add mussels and haddock into chowder
• Season to taste and finish with chopped chives and other greens. Enjoy!

TOBY'S MUSSEL CHOWDER

Steps:

• Place wine, butter, garlic, and 1 tablespoon basil in a stockpot and brings to a simmer. Add mussels and steam, covered, over high heat, for 8 to 12 minutes. Check to see when shells begin to open, be careful not to overcook. When mussels open, remove them from the heat, and drain, reserving liquid. Set mussels aside to cool, discarding any unopened mussels. When cool, remove meat from shells, chop coarsely, and refrigerate until needed.
• In a stockpot, over medium-high heat, saute bacon until fat is rendered and bacon begins to brown. Add onions, celery and cook until onions turn translucent, 6 to 8 minutes. Add potatoes and thyme and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Add stock or clam juice, reserved mussel liquid, remaining 1 tablespoon basil, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes, or until potatoes are soft and begin to thicken chowder. Add milk, chopped mussels and bring back to simmer. Reheat for 2 to 3 minutes. Check for seasoning. Serve with garlic bread.