Shellfish Soup Recipes

SHELLFISH SOUP

Steps:

• First, throw out any mussels and clams with broken or open shells. Heat a large saucepan over a high heat and, once smoking, add the mussels, clams and white wine. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and rapidly steam for 3 mins. Once the shells have opened, tip the shellfish into a colander lined with muslin cloth, with a bowl underneath to catch the full- flavoured shellfish stock. Discard any mussels or clams that have not opened.
• Heat the oil in the saucepan and add the onion, fennel, carrot and garlic. Cook until softened and browned, about 12 mins, then add the saffron and shellfish stock. Simmer for 5 mins to infuse the saffron. Add the Pernod, tomatoes and 100ml water, and simmer for 5 mins more.
• Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Pick the clams and mussels from the shells, reserving some for presentation, and set aside.
• To make the mayonnaise, put the mustard, vinegar, egg yolk and garlic in a bowl. Use a stick blender to blitz while slowly drizzling in both oils until thick and glossy. This will take about 5 mins. Chill until needed.
• For the croutons, thinly slice the baguette and lay on a large baking tray. Drizzle with a little olive oil and a pinch of flaky sea salt. Bake in the oven for 12-14 mins until golden and crisp.
• Once the soup has thickened, transfer to a blender and blitz until very smooth, then pass through a fine sieve. Finish with the brandy, Tabasco and lemon juice. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
• To serve, return the soup to the heat to warm through, then drop in the mussels and clams for 1 min. Ladle the soup into two large bowls, drizzle with a little olive oil, and serve the croutons and garlic mayonnaise on the side.

SEAFOOD SOUP

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and green pepper; cook and stir until tender. Add carrots and garlic; cook 3 minutes longer. Stir in tomato sauce, tomatoes, wine and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 30 minutes., Stir in salmon, shrimp and parsley. Cook, covered, 7-10 minutes longer or until fish flakes easily with a fork and shrimp turn pink. Discard bay leaf.

SHELLFISH SOUP

Steps:

• Firstly make the Rouilly. Mix the chilli paste with tomato puree and breadcrumbs. Fold in the olive oil, then mayonnaise. Finish with the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
• Now make the soup. Heat a large heavy based saucepan to a high heat, add mussels and pipis and the first measure of wine. Cover with a lid and steam until the shellfish are open. Remove from pan, pass the cooking juices through a fine sieve and place to one side. Cover the shellfish with cling-film while they are cooling to prevent them drying out.
• Wipe the saucepan clean and heat to medium. Drizzle with a little olive oil and gently sweat the onions, garlic, leeks, chilli and bayleaf until soft. Add the second measure of white wine and reduce until all the liquid has evaporated, then add the chopped tomatoes and juice. Bring to a simmer and cook for 25 minutes. Add the fish stock, saved cooking liquid and diced potatoes. Simmer until the potatoes are cooked. Season with salt, pepper and lemon juice.
• Bring the soup back to the boil, add the white fish and cook for 2 minutes. Place 2 mussels and 2 pips, in the shell, in each bowl, then ladle the soup over the top of the shellfish. Sprinkle with parsley.
• Serve with toasted ciabatta, rouilly, grated provolone, either on the soup or on the side.